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We've got History on our minds.

The Harmon Foundation &  the Harlem Renaissance

7/27/2021

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Lebanon native and wealthy real estate developer William Elmer Harmon founded the Harmon Foundation in New York in 1922. Originally the new foundation supported the creation of playgrounds throughout the United States, the production of films about biblical subjects, and health care programs. However, it is better known today as the first major foundation supporting African-American creativity and ingenuity.
W.E. Harmon's father was an officer in the 10th Cavalry regiment, a black unit known as the Buffalo Soldiers. Being raised among the soldiers had an impact on the young boy, and formed an accepting attitude toward African-Americans. Later in life, Mr. Harmon was moved after meeting a young African American artist in New York who was unable to sell his paintings because of his race.
With a new focus, the Harmon Foundation began presenting cash awards in 1925 to African-Americans for distinguished achievement in eight fields: fine arts, literature, music, race relations, business, religious service, education, and science. Between 1927 and 1933, the Harmon Foundation was one of the first to give national recognition to the achievements of African-Americans.
​
It is best known for its impact on the art of the Harlem Renaissance. Among the many recipients of the awards were; Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson, Laura Wheeler Waring, Sargent Johnson, and Walter White.
Hale Woodruff and Palmer Hayden were the very first recipients of the William E. Harmon Foundation award for Distinguished Achievement Among African Americans for the Fine Arts.
The purpose of the awards were to stimulate creative achievement and bring attention to the work being accomplished by African American artists.
The Foundation closed in 1967 and dispersed its considerable art collection to the Smithsonian’s Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, and other institutions.
The Harmon Foundation is best known for its impact on the art of the Harlem Renaissance. Among the many recipients of the awards were; Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson, Laura Wheeler Waring, Sargent Johnson, and Walter White.
Hale Woodruff and Palmer Hayden were the very first recipients of the William E. Harmon Foundation award for Distinguished Achievement Among African Americans for the Fine Arts.
The purpose of the awards were to stimulate creative achievement and bring attention to the work being accomplished by African American artists.
The Foundation closed in 1967 and dispersed its considerable art collection to the Smithsonian’s Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, and other institutions.

- Michael Coyan
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  • Plan A Visit
    • Harmon Museum >
      • Exhibits >
        • Armstrong Gallery of Flight
        • Ford Maritime Gallery
        • Glendower Historic Mansion Display
        • Shaker Gallery
        • Special Exhibits
        • The Village Green
      • Group Tours
      • History of Harmon Museum
      • The Museum Shop >
        • Finnegan Book
        • Gift Certificates
        • Local Artists & Artisans
        • Local Authors
      • Research Library
      • Special Exhibits
    • 1795 Beedle Log Cabin >
      • Family Frontier Craft
      • History of the Beedle Log Cabin
      • Relocation & Restoration
    • WCHS Collection >
      • Art
      • Historical Artifacts
      • Textiles
      • Documents
      • Collection Information >
        • Collections Policy
  • Events
    • ⭐ Events Calendar ⭐
    • Art Exhibitions
    • Black Bag Bingo
    • Family Fun on the Frontier
    • History Camp
    • Lebanon Festival of the Arts 2025 >
      • Pervious Lebanon Festivals of the Arts
    • Lunch & Learn >
      • Lunch & Learn Tickets
      • Lunch & Learn Video Archive
    • Music at the Museum
    • Special Exhibits
    • Special Events
  • Get Involved
    • Membership >
      • Become a Member
      • Business Membership
    • Donate >
      • "Celebrate Our Future" Capital Campaign
      • Joseph Warren Statue >
        • Information on Joseph Warren
    • Volunteer
  • Facility Rental
  • Kids & Education
    • History Camp
    • Lena Iorns Award
    • Saturdays at the Beedle Cabin
    • Schools Tours
  • Blog
  • About
    • FAQ
    • About Us >
      • Board and Staff
      • History of Our Properties
      • History of WCHS
      • Research Library
      • WCHS Collection
    • Community History >
      • Celebrating Black History >
        • Elizabeth Harvey Free Black Schooll
        • The Harmon Foundation & the Harlem Renaissance
        • Local Trailblazers >
          • Anna Middleton
          • Bing Davis >
            • Bing Davis Biography
            • The Art of Bing Davis
          • Cedric Michael Cox
          • Elizabeth Kimberlin
          • ​James Richard Mills
          • Rodney Veal
          • Samuel Robert Bailey
      • In Honor & Remembrance
      • Lunch & Learn Video Archive
      • William Elmer Harmon
    • Partner Organizations >
      • Harveysburg Community Historical Society
      • Loveland Museum Center
      • Mason Historical Society
  • Contact
  • Arts Network of Warren County