The Frank V. de Bellis Collection booklet from 1964 was published by San Francisco State College (now San Francisco State University) to provide an overview of the special collection donated by Frank V. de Bellis, an Italian-American bibliophile and patron of the arts. The collection itself is housed at the university and contains a rich assortment of Italian cultural artifacts, including rare books, manuscripts, music scores, prints, and other historical materials related to Italy’s cultural and artistic heritage.

Historical Context and Importance

Frank V. de Bellis (1898–1968) was a businessman and passionate collector of Italian cultural materials. His goal was to preserve and promote Italian heritage, particularly for Italian Americans and scholars interested in Italy’s contributions to art, literature, and history. The collection was established at San Francisco State College in the early 1960s, with the 1964 booklet serving as an introduction to its significance.

Content of the 1964 Booklet

The booklet outlines:

• The Purpose of the Collection: It explains de Bellis’s vision to create a resource for scholars, students, and the general public to study Italian history and culture.
• Types of Materials Included: The collection features:
  • Rare Italian books and first editions
  • Music manuscripts and recordings
  • Historical prints, engravings, and maps
  • Archival documents and letters
• Curation and Access: The booklet describes how the collection is organized and maintained at the university, with efforts to make it available for academic research.

Legacy

Even today, the Frank V. de Bellis Collection remains an important resource at San Francisco State University. It continues to support research in Italian studies, musicology, history, and the arts.