Carl Schmidt Collection in Historic Architecture
Carl F. Schmidt (1894-1988) was a local architect who had a keen interest in historic preservation and conservation. The Schmidt Collection includes notes, manuscripts, slides, photographs, pencil sketches and measured drawings created and collected by Schmidt in preparing his many books on historical architecture, which focus primarily on homes in the Genesee Valley area. Copies of Schmidt's books are available in the Library's Genesee Valley Historical Collection and should be used as a starting point for all research.
Carl Schmidt Collection Finding Aids and Access Information
- A collection of Schmidt's pencil drawings of regional homes, especially entrance doors, can be found in the New York Heritage digital repository.
- Persons wishing to use materials from the Library’s Carl Schmidt Collection should make an appointment with the Special Collections Librarian. Because this is a closed non-circulating collection, the librarian will retrieve requested materials for in-library use only. Special handling and security requirements apply.
- Carl Schmidt Collection Finding Inventory Finding Aid PDF
Using Schmidt Collection materials in the classroom and research assignments
By meticulously documenting the building materials, techniques, styles and craftsmanship of hundreds of early homes and other structures in the region, the Schmidt collection provides a unique lens for understanding and contextualizing Western New York history. It is also a rich source of historical, social and biographical information on the builders, owners and residents of the structures. Please contact the special collections librarian to discuss ways to incorporate these materials into your assignments and class projects.
