Muriel Selling Papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MS-0200-0006

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The papers of Muriel Selling reflect her collecting interests in Jewish organizations over many decades as illustrated in Series I. Most often related to associations by family members, or membership of specific organizations, series I, holds items for many defunct organizations, and represents a small slice of the total records she has collected over the years. Also included in series I and II, is a limited amount of topical research Muriel Selling has compiled, relating to cemetery administration and former landsmannschaftn organizations. The comparative memorial lists for those killed during pogroms from Sokolivker in 1:15, is particularly helpful as it provides Hebrew and Yiddish transliterated names. A memorial stone was erected by the Sokolivker landsleit of Buffalo, and dedicated on August 30, 1964, at Pine Ridge inside the gates of Holy Order of the Living Cemetery.

Dates

1898-1964
Majority of material found within 1931-1935

Creator

Selling, Muriel (Person)

Language of Materials

Collection material in English, Yiddish and Hebrew.

Terms of Access

The personal papers of Muriel Selling, 1898-1964 [bulk 1931-1935] are open for research. There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this collection.

Copyright

Copyright of papers in the collection may be held by their authors, or the authors' heirs or assigns. Researchers must obtain the written permission of the holder(s) of copyright and the University Archives before publishing quotations from materials in the collection. Most papers may be copied in accordance with the library's usual procedures unless otherwise specified.

Biographical Note

Muriel Selling was born in Buffalo and is a retired general contractor. After High School, she established a family, and later began building condominiums in Buffalo. At the age of 50, after returning as an adult student, she graduated from the University of Buffalo with a degree in History and Anthropology. Involved in a range of organizations in lay positions, she co-founded the Jewish Genealogy Society of Buffalo in 1986 and conducted much of the research for their synagogue history exhibit in 2002. Heavily involved in cemetery administration for the independent fraternal Holy Order of the Living Cemetery and the cemetery of Temple Beth El of Buffalo, both located in Cheektowaga, New York on Pine Ridge Road, she has produced and maintained extensive lists and computerized data sets, of which the latter remain within the cemetery organizations. At Temple Beth El, Muriel Selling, has also served as the synagogue historian locating lost items and highlighting the value of others. An avid collector of Buffalo Jewish memorabilia, she has salvaged materials from a number of defunct Jewish organizations over the years.

Extent

.75 Linear Feet (1 manuscript box, 2 oversized envelopes)

Additional Description

Abstract

Personal papers documenting aspects of Jewish community in Buffalo collected and created by Muriel Selling. Material includes programs, photographs and newspaper clippings relating to Temple Beth David-Ner Israel, Temple Emanu-el, and other institutions and independent groups.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in two series as follows:

Research Materials, 1989-1964 [gaps]
Holy Order Cemetery Listings

Acquisition Information

Muriel Selling donated Jewish community materials in 2009 and 2011. The papers were initially arranged in November 2010, and then rearranged in May 2016 and it was deposited at the University Archives, Special Collections by the Jewish Buffalo Archives Project in May 2016.

The Jewish Buffalo Archives Project was founded in late 2007 under the auspices of the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Buffalo with a seed grant from the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies. The Archives Project collects mainly 20th century documentation relating to the diverse histories, religious traditions and cultures of Jewish communities within the Greater Buffalo area of Western New York, encompassing the geographic areas of Erie and Niagara Counties and partners with the University Archives at the University at Buffalo to make these records accessible.

The arrangement and description of the Muriel Selling Papers 1898-1964 [bulk 1931-1935] was made possible by funding obtained through the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies.

Accruals and Additions

Ongoing accruals are expected to this collection.

Related Resources

Jewish Buffalo Archives Project collections

Processing Information

Collection was processed by Chana Revell Kotzin in November 2010 and May 2016. The Finding Aid was finalized by Chana Revell Kotzin in May 2016. EAD will be created by University Staff in 2016.