patches and wooden plaque, undated

Series 1 and 2 document the careers of George and Ismay Duvivier respectively. Series 1.1 contains musical works that were composed and/or arranged by George Duvivier and his contemporaries, including big band arrangements for Jimmy Lunceford, one of Duvivier's influences. Duvivier arranged for Lunceford's orchestra in the 1940's. In addition to these works, Series 1.1 contains other manuscript full scores (big band charts), band parts, lead sheets and sketches. Of note in Series 1.2 are a number of photographs inscribed to George Duvivier from celebrities and well-known musicians. In addition to open reel audio tapes and vinyl discs, Series 1.3 contains a cache of unique lacquer discs with studio and live performances by George Duvivier and his contemporaries. Series 2 contains documents and photographs from Ismay Duvivier's employment as an entertainer and as a nurse. Of note is a scrapbook documenting her career as a dancer during the Harlem Renaissance.

Materials concerning the academic, religious, family and civic activities of Ismay and George Duvivier are in Series 3. Voice leading and harmony exercises from the time of George’s conservatory studies are in Series 3.1. Series 3.3 contains extensive travel photographs, slides and negatives of trips around the globe. Photographs from George’s service in the army during the Second World War are in Series 3.5.