Elizabeth T. Riefstahl Papers
Scope and Contents
The collection contains Elizabeth Riefstahl’s (1889-1986) research notes and an unpublished biographical manuscript of Dr. Henry Abbott, whose significant collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts was acquired by the Brooklyn Museum, from the New York Historical Society, in 1937.
Materials in the Elizabeth Riefstahl Papers include handwritten and typed notes, correspondence, and photocopied primary sources. The collection also includes a photograph of descendants from Dr. Henry Abbott, as well as an original photograph and negative of a watercolor portrait of Dr. Henry Abbott.
The Brooklyn Museum owns a portrait of Henry Abbott by Thomas Hicks, accession number 48.191. The museum also owns a pair of memorial bracelets gifted by Charlotte Abbott, accession number 56.33.1-.2.
Dates
- Between 1972-1984
Creator
- Riefstahl, Elizabeth (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research by appointment.
Conditions Governing Use
Reproduction of materials requires permission from Brooklyn Museum.The Brooklyn Museum archives does not provide digital reproductions for this collection.
Biographical / Historical
Elizabeth Riefstahl (1889-1986) served as the first librarian for the Wilbour Library of Egyptology in 1936, one of the world's most comprehensive research libraries for the study of ancient Egypt. During her time at the library, she became an Egyptologist and achieved the rank of Associate Curator Emeritus at the time of her official retirement in 1956. Over the course of her career and following her retirement, she wrote and edited many scholarly works, including Brooklyn Museum publications on ancient art.
Sources:
Bianchi, R. S. (1987). Elizabeth T. Riefstahl (1889-1986). Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt, 24, 1–1. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40000254
RIEFSTAHL, E. (1955). THE WILBOUR LIBRARY OF EGYPTOLOGY. Brooklyn Museum Bulletin, 16(4), 16–17. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26458467
Extent
.84 linear feet
Language of Materials
English
French
Abstract
Elizabeth Riefstahl’s (1889-1986) Papers contain research notes and an unpublished biographical manuscript of Dr. Henry Abbott, whose significant collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts was acquired by the Brooklyn Museum.
Arrangement
Arranged in 2 series: 1. Dr. Henry Abbott Research 2. Correspondence Series 1 is arranged by research topic at the folder level and Series 2 is arranged chronologically at the folder level.
Custodial History
Elizabeth Riefstahl (1889-1986) until 1986; Wilbour Library of Egyptology 1986-2016; internal transfer to Brooklyn Museum archives on May 5, 2016.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Internal transfer from Wilbour Library to Brooklyn Museum archives.
Appraisal
All files in the collection will be retained permanently.
Accruals
No additional accruals.
Processing Information
This collection may include racist, sexist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, classist, or otherwise offensive or hateful views and opinions. Our historical materials in particular are presented in their original and unaltered forms for research and study, which allows us to also confront our legacy of colonization and inform our understanding today. These items have been retained as they originally existed to preserve the integrity of the historical record and to foster accountability. The Brooklyn Museum Libraries and Archives does not endorse the views expressed in these materials, which are inconsistent with our institution’s values and commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible safe space.
- Title
- Finding Aid to the Elizabeth T. Riefstahl Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Initial processing plan created by Kim Loconto in 2016. Finding aid written and collection processed by Paige Papandrea in 2026.
- Date
- 2026
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Brooklyn Museum Archives Repository