To ensure the preservation, enhancement, and availability of the historically and artistically important works in the James E. and Joan Singer Schiele Print Collection, Dr. Schiele has offered to match gifts to the collection’s endowment.
How the challenge works
Through the endowment, the University Libraries purchased Civil War-era Harper’s Weekly volumes, which have been used extensively since their acquisition. Gifts to the endowment would allow for the addition of other noteworthy items. Each gift of any amount to the Schiele Print Collection endowment will be matched dollar for dollar, up to a total of $125,000.
Questions?
About the Schiele Print collection
The James E. and Joan Singer Schiele Print Collection comprises 513 prints, historical images, and books documenting the abolitionist movement, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Westward Expansion in 19th-century America. One highlight of the collection is a complete set of 36 Kurz and Allison Civil War chromolithographs, one of only two known complete collections, which provides a visual overview of significant Civil War battles during one of the nation’s most tumultuous eras.
Many Washington University classes, local school groups, and scholars from around the world visit and reference the images. Dr. Schiele often provides behind-the-scenes talks about his passion, research, and acquisition process.
Thomas Nast, Emancipation, c. 1863. Hand-colored engraving 
Spohny, Jefferson Davis and His Cabinet with General Lee, c. 1866. Engraving 
George Richmond, H.B. Stowe, c. 1866. Engraving 
Detail from F.P. Whiting, Abraham Lincoln, Sixteenth President of the United States of America, c. 1863. Hand-colored lithograph
About the donor
Over several decades, native St. Louisan and active community volunteer James Schiele, AB ’52, MLA ’85, MA ’11, DLA ’15, acquired these historical artifacts. He and his wife, Joan Singer Schiele, donated the collection to University Libraries and established an endowment to support its conservation and expansion.
Dr. Schiele has been one of the most dedicated university supporters through his participation in the University Libraries National Council, the Alumni Board of Governors, the W Club Executive Committee, the International Advisory Council for Asia, and the Murray Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government, and Public Policy and with his membership in the William Greenleaf Eliot Society.
