Preferred Citation

[Item identification], Alexandria Antique Arts Association Collection, MS134, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria Virginia.

Biographical / Historical

The Alexandria Antique Arts Association (AAAA) was an organization devoted to the collection and the appreciation of antiques and other collectibles. Founded in 1971 by Orva Heissenbuttel, the Alexandria group was the first of many such regional associations, also founded by Heissenbuttel, which were known collectively as the American Antique Arts Association. Members of the Alexandria chapter gathered at monthly meetings to discuss their collections and listen to speakers lecture on various topics relating to antiques, personal collections, and historical context. The group also sponsored tours of historic houses, gardens and museums. The AAAA disbanded in 1999.

Content Description

The collection consists of organizational records of the group, including minutes from the monthly meetings and membership rosters. Also included are copies of the newsletter of the American Antique Arts Association, originally named The Quad Anglo and later called The Journal. The collection includes newspaper clippings about the group and its activities, articles written by the group's founder, Orva Heissenbuttel, and articles about antiques and antique collecting. The collection also contains information about tours taken by the group, including pamphlets and brochures from places visited. Additionally, there is a group of photographs depicting members engaged in chapter activities.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in several series, reflecting the original grouping of the items. Some series are arranged chronologically (often in reverse chronological order), while others are not; the organization of each series reflects the original arrangement of the items by the AAAA. Series I Minutes; Series II Organizational Information; Series III Newsletter; Series IV Correspondence; Series V Tours; Series VI Antiques; Series VII Clippings; Series VIII Photographs.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Antique collecting
• Antiques.
• Heissenbuttel, Orva (Walker), 1927-2018
• Historic buildings.
• Women -- Societies and clubs.