As Black History Month comes to a close, we’re taking a closer look at our Hirschberg African art collection for week nine of our Kansas sesquicentennial series.
Dr. Cotter Hirschberg was director of training and child psychiatry as well as the first dean of the Karl Menninger School of Psychiatry at the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas. From 1969 to 1975, Cotter Hirschberg served on the Library’s Board of Directors. Both he and his wife Jeanne, according to former library director, Jim Marvin, were a “library dynamo”. Both served on the Library’s Board of Trustees, and together advanced the library’s services and collections, including donating this significant collection of West African art.
About 52 for 150
Every object has a story, and stories build history. To celebrate 150 years of Kansas statehood we’re featuring 52 objects (or collections of related objects)—something new each week throughout the year—from the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library’s 130-year-old special, and permanent collections, that represent our collective state history and cultural diversity.
Our collections are available for teachers, students, researchers and general interest, and we hope this online video program will provide insight into what’s so “special” about Special Collections. Your library’s commitment to collecting art and preserving local history makes it possible for users today and in the future to have immediate access to invaluable research material and cultural artifacts.
To make an appointment to see the Hirschberg West African art collection, or get help finding books and videos related to this topic, call or stop by the Sabatini Gallery (785-580-4515). We’re located on your right just beyond the Library rotunda entrance.