UNT Welcomes the International Harp Archives Relocated from Brigham Young University
The University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries and College of Music announce the relocation of the International Harp Archives, previously housed at Brigham Young University (BYU), to UNT’s campus in Denton, Texas. This significant transfer was initiated by BYU and was completed in coordination with the American Harp Society and World Harp Congress to allow adequate storage space for continued growth and to ensure the archives’ preservation and continued access for harpists, scholars, and music enthusiasts worldwide.
The International Harp Archives (IHA) began in 1985 with a major donation of scores (including many rare editions), research papers, and photographs from Samuel and Rosalie Pratt. Not long after, additional donations of personal archival materials, scores, and recordings were received from numerous harpists. From 2001 to 2005 the archives received generous funding for scores from the Victor Salvi Foundation. Thereafter the IHA became the official host of the Archives of the American Harp Society and World Harp Congress. The Archives collects, preserves, and provides access to materials documenting the harp’s rich history and artistry, including scores, manuscripts, recordings, photographs, correspondence, programs, and interviews. Now finding a new home at UNT, this archive expands the university’s already substantial music resources, including a collection of 18th-19th century historical harps donated by alum David Williams (MM, 1976).
Dr. Jaymee Haefner, Professor of Harp at UNT, has been named Archivist for the International Harp Archives. Susannah Cleveland, Head of the Music Library at UNT, serves as Curator. Together, they will lead efforts to preserve, catalog, and share the extensive collection of scores, recordings, correspondence, and historical documents, carrying forward the dedicated work of David Day at BYU. “We are honored to steward this extraordinary collection,” said Dr. Haefner. “The International Harp Archives will not only enhance UNT’s resources but will also serve as a central hub for harp research and performance in service to the international harp community.”
UNT’s inaugural Harp Day celebrating the archives is scheduled for September 20, 2025, marking the 150th birthday of legendary harpist and composer Henriette Renié (1875-1956). The one-day event will feature performances, presentations and exhibits highlighting rare artifacts from the archives. Future Harp Days will focus on a different harp collection contained in the archive, including Marcel Grandjany, Carlos Salzedo, Marcel Tournier, and handwritten correspondence from other prominent musicians such as Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy.
Dr. John Richmond, Dean of the UNT College of Music said, “I am absolutely thrilled to celebrate the arrival of the International Harp Archives to the University of North Texas and our amazing Willis Library Special Collections. It is both an honor and a sobering responsibility for us — one we take very seriously and with so much gratitude. The global harp community can rest assured that our UNT Library music colleagues will curate this collection with devotion and deep expertise. I hope this creates yet another reason to welcome our harp colleagues from around the world to our campus." Dr. Sian Brannon, University Librarian and Vice Provost, said “This is an amazing archive that the UNT Libraries are proud and excited to care for. Providing access to this comprehensive collection will afford us the opportunity to work with harp enthusiasts worldwide, and we are thankful to be entrusted with it.”
For more information about the International Harp Archives at UNT and upcoming Harp Day events, visit music.unt.edu/strings/harp/international-harp-archives.
Media Contact:
Matt Hardman
Director of Communications, Marketing, and Public Relations, UNT College of Music
940-208-2333
Jaymee Haefner
Professor of Harp and Director of Graduate Studies, UNT College of Music
Archivist, International Harp Archives
940-565-3739
Susannah Cleveland
Head, UNT Music Library
Curator, International Harp Archives
940-594-1451
