IRC Photograph and Document Collection
The Archive
The Information Research Center’s Photograph Archive chronicles and showcases both the history of the sport of tennis, as well as the beautiful Newport Casino. The archive currently houses nearly 300,000 photographic prints and slides of individuals and venues pertaining to the sport of tennis and the Newport Casino. All images are available for research, and portions of this collection are also available for reproduction and other uses
(Above) Original fashion sketch of Gussy Moran’s controversial tennis dress with lace panties from Wimbledon, 1949 by Ted Tinling. Gift of the Estate of Ted Tinling, 1990
(Right) Silver print photograph of a school group, ca. 1934 The Albert & Madeleine Ritzenberg Collection, 2004
The Information Research Center is the repository of several archival collections that document the people and events from the fascinating history of tennis. Among our collections are those of Helen Hull Jacobs, Ted Tinling, Mercer Beasley, and the holder of the original patent for lawn tennis, Major Clopton Wingfield. The IRC archives also house The Albert & Madeleine Ritzenberg Collection, which features art, rare books, photographs, and other exceptional items collected over decades by Albert Ritzenberg.
Newport Casino Architectural Drawing - 1880
In addition to the architectural plans and designs for the Newport Casino, the collection holds diaries, society guides, posters and ephemera detailing the history of the architectural masterpiece designed by McKim, Mead, & White in 1880. The Newport Casino is widely considered the loveliest Victorian shingle-style building in the country and functioned as Newport Society’s playground for more than four decades.
The IRC is also comprised of several collections, such as the Fernberger Collection, generously donated by Marilyn and Edward Fernberger, the World Tennis magazine collection, and other photographs generated or purchased by the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
(Above) June 1953 issue of World Tennis Magazine with Hall of Famer Bill Tilden
(Above) 1966 Ashe, Philmont cc- Arthur Ashe with his bronze likeness presented to him at Philmont Country Club in 1966. Gift of Marilyn and Edward Fernberger
Visit the Information Research Center
The Information Research Center (IRC) is located directly above the Museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on the 3rd floor of the historic Newport Casino, 194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island. Visitors may make an appointment to conduct research in our library and archives, or our knowledgeable staff is available to provide assistance with research services.
Reservations required, contact the Nicole Markham, Curator of Collection, at 401-849-3990 ext. 1110. | Visitation fee per day: $50
20% discount applies to students with proof of enrollment (or under age 17), military, seniors (60 and over), members of professional library/museum/archiving organizations (with proof of membership).
The facility is open year-round, 10:30am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday (Excluding all observed state and federal holidays, as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas Days).
