References

There are books, magazines, and newspaper and magazine articles about Mies van der Rohe and the Farnsworth House, some are vintage in nature and provide a historical perspective on Mies' work. Local articles document the controversial bridge project of the late 60s, the 1996 flood and the sale of the home to the LPCI and the NTHP in 2003. More >> 

Educators at the secondary and college levels have access to curriculum developed to help teach about the Farnsworth House. The site-based materials include teacher guides, resources, multi medial activities, and guidelines for class visits to the site. More >>

Photographs

Photographs depicting the early days of the house and Dr. Farnsworth's furnishings are on file. Of special interest is the screened in porch and construction photos. Also included are the various sculptures that were placed throughout the grounds during the Lord Peter Palumbo era.

Oral Histories

A number of oral history interviews have been conducted by the Resource Center staff. These range from two grade school students who attended summer French lessons taught by Dr. Farnsworth at the house to friends that frequently visited the site. Each interview provides a unique, first hand recollections of Dr. Farnsworth and Mies van der Rohe. These interviews are available on DVD. More >>

Court Documents

Copies of court records that detail the famous Mies van der Rohe vs. Dr. Edith Farnsworth lawsuit of 1953 are available. Also available are copies of court records detailing the various unsuccessful legal maneuvers that Dr. Farnsworth took in an effort to deter the Fox Drive bridge project.

Various interactive computer tutorials explore Mies’ career. There are also videos of an interview of Lord Palumbo, a documentary of Mies' Tugendhat House, and several others featuring the Farnsworth House.

Some of the more unique items in the archives include: portions of Dr. Farnsworth's journal and copies of her personal poetry, a 1930 census of her family while living on Astor Street in Chicago, a copy of the 1969 MoMA Mies portfolio, and a copy of a letter from Philip Johnson to Mies dated 1951 (after Johnson visited the Farnsworth House).

Collections

The Resource Center actively searches for documents and resources that will add to the history of the Farnsworth House. Those interested in donating items are asked to contact the Center's archivist. Items conforming to the Center's Collections Policy will be gratefully received, and those donating items will be asked to sign a Deed of Gift.

Sarah J. Hahn

The first Director of Tours at the Farnsworth House, Sarah Hahn was instrumental in the gathering of information about the historic home along with initiating the docent training program. The Sarah J. Hahn Resource Center was dedicated in her name following her passing in 2004.

Fax (630) 552-8890
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•  During the months of

    December - March tours only

    by appointment. MORE >>

Some items have been duplicated in print form and others are available via computer. Selected items are only available to qualified researchers upon special request. Because space is limited, researchers are asked to arrange an appointment.