The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

Introduction

The name "Peabody" evokes a multitude of images depending on one's geographical location or particular area of interest. Harvard's Peabody Museum, The Peabody Institute in Massachusetts, the George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, and the Peabody Homes in London all trace their establishment to the same 19th century philanthropist. The Peabody Conservatory of Music is internationally known, yet few people are aware that it was but one component of George Peabody's most ambitious undertaking, The Peabody Institute of the City of Baltimore.

George Peabody hoped his wealth would stimulate the cultural life of Baltimore, and his goals were largely realized by his multi-faceted Institute. Founded in 1857, it was the first of its kind in the nation, anticipating the `American Renaissance' between Reconstruction and World War I. With its scholars' library, public lecture series, academy of music, and art gallery, the Peabody exerted a profound influence on the development of the City of Baltimore. More importantly, the Peabody Institute set the standard for improving the cultural life of the nation, and served as the model for the subsequent efforts of the Fricks, the Morgans, and the Carnegies. In Baltimore, George Peabody and his Institute directly inspired The Enoch Pratt Free Library, The Johns Hopkins University, the Walters Art Gallery, and the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Partly by design, and mostly by neglect, the bulk of the voluminous records of the Peabody survived various upheavals and years of housecleaning. In this, it is unique amongst independent American schools of music, and, in addition, its
archives contain much material outside the world of music.

The Archives of the Peabody Institute was established in 1982 by Richard Case, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Robert Pierce, Director of the Conservatory of Music. Elizabeth Schaaf was appointed its first archivist. In 1985, the National Historical Publications and Records Commission awarded the Archives a two year grant to process, arrange and describe its records from the founding in 1857 to the affiliation with The Johns Hopkins University in 1977. (Note: After the affiliation with Hopkins, the Institute became known as "The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University.")

The records of the Peabody, by documenting a unique historic entity, also tell a lively human story. They vividly chronicle the intellectual development of a rapidly growing 19th century America. It is hoped that this guide, by sketching its history through the people who shaped it, will lead to an increased appreciation of the significance of this collection.