1. Biographical Material, 1923-1927 and undated

The papers relate to the professional career and personal life of William Lawrence, his wife, Lillian Thompson Lawrence, and her family, the Thompsons. Items of particular note are a series of concert programs dated 1919-1978, which include programs for performances by Lawrence, Marian Anderson, Roland Hayes, Lawrence Brown, and other notable black musicians, including his student, the blind vocalist Sadie Knight; a variety of sheet music arranged and composed by Lawrence and several notable black musicians, including a handwritten Cantata by Jean Stor; and several autographed photographs of notable black musicians, including W. C. Handy and William Grant Still. Correspondents include Alain Locke, Countee Cullen, Marian Anderson, W. H. Brennan, Roland Hayes, and Todd Duncan. Miscellaneous items in the collection include radio and play scripts of productions, some directed by Lawrence.

Collection Arrangement 1. Biographical Material

2. Music Materials

3. Correspondence

4. Scripts

5. Associates and Pupils

6. Miscellaneous Materials

7. Photographs