Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions on personal use. Permission to publish material from the George B. Dowell papers must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions.

Preferred Citation note

George B. Dowell papers, C0219, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries.

Acquisition Information

Donated by George B. Dowell in May 1987.

Processing Information

Processing and EAD markup completed in November 2012 by Greta Kuriger Suiter.

Biographical Information

George Brendan Dowell was born in New York City on December 15, 1909. He spent his life working in the theatre and academic institutions. In 1933 he received a certificate in playwriting from Yale University. In 1939 the Federal Theatre Project produced The God Innis, a play Dowell wrote. Dowell met Hallie Flanagan while working with the Federal Theatre Project and continued to work with her throughout his career. He served with the Army in World War II from 1941 to 1943. In 1946 he graduated from New York University and received a doctorate from Columbia University Teachers College in 1949. He worked at Smith College from 1949 to 1955, first as a Visiting Lecturer of Theatre and then as an Assistant Professor of Theatre from 1950 to 1955. Dowell and Flanagan worked together on the play "Heritage" in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Smith College in 1950. After teaching at Smith he went on to work at Skidmore College (1954-1956), Vassar College (1957-1961), and Goucher College (1962-1975). His work at Vassar College revolved around their Centennial Celebration in 1961. At Goucher College he was instrumental in developing the drama program and held the position of Associate Professor of Speech and Drama. He died in Towson, Maryland, in January of 1997.

Scope and Content

This collection contains personal papers donated by George B. Dowell and includes playscripts, programs, photographs, correspondence, and publications relating mostly to theatre activities with the Federal Theatre Project, Smith College, and Vassar College.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by folder title.

Related Material

The Works Progress Administration oral histories collection, the Federal Theatre Project collection, the Federal Theatre Project photograph collection, as well as numerous other personal papers.

Index Terms

Persons:

• Dowell, George Brendan.
• Flanagan, Hallie, 1890-1969.

Corporate Names:

• Federal Theatre Project (U.S.)

Subjects:

• New Deal, 1933-1939.
• Theater--United States.
• Universities and colleges.