The Cooper Union Building, Astor Place. New York City c. 1869-70.
The Kubler Collection, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum
Roma Korris, 85, is one of the Cooper-Hewitt’s Library’s most valued volunteers. Since 2005, Roma has worked on research projects that chronicle the exhibition histories of the Cooper Union Museum for Arts & Decoration and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum—both which will soon appear on-line on the Libraries' website. A native Brooklynite and New Yorker, and the daughter of a tenor, she has pursued her love of music throughout her education, career, and life. She graduated from the famed Erasmus High School in Brooklyn, The Julliard School of Music, and as a musicology major at New York University. Roma was a concert pianist and a film production manager in Hollywood during WW II while her husband, Dr. David Korris, was on active duty as a dentist with a hospital ship platoon. Dr.Korris, at 87, is a professor at the NYU School of Dentistry and loves sailing in New York Harbor. They have a daughter, Risa, and a son, Jim.
As passionate about books and libraries as well as music, Roma and David have been most generous in their financial support of the Cooper-Hewitt Library , contributing to our endowment and collection development efforts. Roma, who is currently working on assessing and organizing the card files of our Kubler Picture Collection, says that she enjoys working with the staff and students at the Library and contributing to the organization of its wonderful collections. We love working with her and very much appreciate her support of the library.—Elizabeth Broman
2 Comments
In view of the recent passing of my mother, Roma Korris, It is particularly warming to read this tribute to her contributions to the Cooper-Hewitt Museum. She was terribly proud of Museum – I can recall her bringing her 8 year old grandchild, Amanda to the children’s’ book exhibition – the two of them leafing through the pop up pages of these historic treasures. In addition to enjoying her work, Roma was very fond of her colleagues. particularly Stephen Van Dycke the Museum’s Library Director.
We’re so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, Risa. Our condolences to your family. Our staff are lucky to have worked with Roma.
Best,
Erin Rushing
Outreach Librarian