Inventor Name
Morse, Samuel F.B.
Repository
New York University Archives
Elmer Holmes Bobst Library
70 Washington Square South
New York, N.Y. 10012
212-998-2646
http://www.nyu.edu/library/bobst/research/arch/
Physical Description
5 linear in. (1 box)
Summary
Samuel F. B. Morse was 41 when he began his association with the University of the City of New York (now New York University). By this time he had an established reputation as an artist. Morse had founded the National Academy of Design and presided over it since its inception in 1826. He had lectured widely on art from 1826 to 1829. Morse left for Europe in 1829 and returned to New York in October, 1832. By October 2, 1832, Morse had been appointed to the Chair of Sculpture and Painting at the University of the City of New York. When the University Building on Washington Square was opened in 1835, Morse rented quarters in it as lodgings as well as to house a studio and laboratory for his experiments in photography and telegraphy. Morse left the University Building in 1841 but he continued his association with New York University as professor of Fine Arts until 1871, when he retired. Although Morse's connection with the University has been described as "nominal," he undoubtedly maintained close contact with certain faculty members and emphasised his professorial connection. The Samuel F. B. Morse Collection contains inventories of letters from and about Morse; biographical summaries; papers relating to his career as an artist; his association with the University of the City of New York (now New York University); the invention of the telegraph and exhibitions thereof; and his experiments with photography. The collection also includes information on his will and his funeral; the Morse Plaque which was placed on Main Building at N.Y.U.; the centennial celebration of his invention of the telegraph in 1944; the Morse Medal; and information concerning the Morse Telegraph Club, Inc.
