Photograph of engraving in the "Theatrical Times" of Aldridge as Othello, 1848-04-15

The Aldridge Collection consists of materials relating to 19th century African-American tragedian Ira Frederick Aldridge (1807-1867) and his children, mainly his daughter Amanda Christina Elizabeth Aldridge (known as Amanda Ira Aldridge, who composed under the pseudonym Montague Ring; 1866-1956). Materials related to Ira Aldridge include transcriptions of letters, honors and citations, copies of legal documents, newspaper clippings, and photographic engravings or reproductions. Amanda Ira Aldridge materials include correspondence, musical manuscripts and scores, and an autobiographical statement. This collection also contains articles about Ira Aldridge and his theatrical career by Edward Scobie (born Vivian Edward George Dalrymple) and Owen Mortimer. Additional materials on Aldridge and 19th century theatre which were received include a portrait of Aldridge in the role of Mungo and a bust by Pietro Calvi (1833-1844): "Bust of Othello: the Moor of Venice."