Libby and Edward Marvins Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0782

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Forms part of the Houston Jewish History Archive. Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Scope and Contents

This collection contains newsprint, photographs, documents such as membership lists and pamphlets, and groups of memorabilia such as t-shirts and matchboxes as well as unique items — a matzah cover, a dedicated gavel, and a ceramic planter in the shape of a shoe, as well as an oral history conducted with Libby Marvins by staff with the Houston Jewish History Archive in 2018. The materials are in good condition and range in date from 1940 to 2018. The collection would be a useful resource for researchers interested in local institutions and events, especially congregation Emanu El and its affiliated youth organizations, such as B’nai B’rith Women and Boy Scouts. With its brightly-colored T-shirts and unique memorabilia items, the collection would be ideal for exhibition. Though named for Libby and Edward Marvins, the materials (with the exception of the matzah cover, a family heirloom, and the dedicated gavel) are more relevant to a study of the Jewish community in Houston than a specific study of the Marvins family.

Dates

Creation: 1912 - 2018

Creator

Marvins, Libby (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This material is open for research. Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Libby and Edward Marvins Collection, 1940-2018 must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

The Woodson Research Center use policy is that researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of privacy, literary rights, copyrights, or other rights arising from their use of the archival materials. In addition to any restrictions placed by donors, certain kinds of archival materials are restricted for the life of the creator plus 50 years. These materials include, but are not limited to, student grades, transcripts, and any job applications or recommendations.

Biographical / Historical

Edward “Buz” Zelman Marvins is the son of well-known photographers and philanthropists Sonia and Kaye Marvins, owners of Kaye Marvins Photography in Houston. Edward’s wife, Libby Marvins is the Recording Secretary for the National Council of Jewish Women and served on the 2018-2021 Board of the Sisterhood group at Congregation Emanu El. Both Edward and Libby have strong ties to congregation Emanu El, and spend much of their time volunteering in the Houston community.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (1 Box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains documents and memorabilia donated by Libby and Edward Marvins related to their time as congregants at Emanu El as well as an oral history conducted with Libby Marvins by staff with the Houston Jewish History Archive in 2018. The materials (including photos, newsprint, correspondence, and other unique items) offer insight into the events and organizations of the Houston Jewish community in the latter half of the 20th century.

Arrangement

The materials in this collection are arranged into two series as follows:

Series I: Photographs, Documents, and Ephemera; Series II: Memorabilia Series III: Oral History