Merritt correspondence to Sanborn

Collection number: UA 17/30
Size: 1 boxes (0.66 cu.ft.)

About Richard Merritt and Drew Sanborn

For 22 years, Richard "Dick" Merritt was both instructor in the arts and university photographer at UNH. He later devoted himself fully to teaching photography. As UNH photographer, he covered everything from football games to academic events, and his lens captured many of the nation's art, cultural, and political icons. During the 1970s and 1980s, Merritt brought the photography program at UNH to widespread acclaim, both in terms of the quality of the program and the intense loyalty of the students he nurtured with his quiet, patient manner and quick smile. He retired in 1986, but remained artistically active until he died on January 8, 2012, age 90.

Drew Sanborn graduated from UNH in 1969. He then began a career in public relations for institutions of higher education, starting at the University of New Hampshire, then moving to Wesleyan University -- where he earned a master of arts in liberal studies -- and finally to Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. In 1972, he inherited his grandfather’s camera (both his grandparents were professional photographers) and begin learning how to use it. Richard Merritt was one of his teachers, who then became a mentor and life-long friend.

About the Correspondence

This is a collection of letters written by Richard Merritt to Drew Sanborn often in response to a card or letter sent to him by Sanborn. They talk about photography, art exhibitions, family and life events. Many of the cards contain photographs, pen and ink drawings or other art work by Merritt.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

This collection is open.

Copyright Notice

Copyright is retained by the authors of these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Richard Merritt correspondence to Drew Sanborn, 1983-2011, UA 17/30, Milne Special Collections and Archives, University of New Hampshire Library, Durham, NH, USA.

Acquisitions Information

Donated by Drew Sanborn, 2016

Collection Contents

Box 1
Box 1, Folder 1Merritt to Sanborn 1983, 1990-1999
Box 1, Folder 2Merritt to Sanborn, 2000-2005
Box 1, Folder 3Merritt to Sanborn, 2006-2011
Box 1, Folder 4cards and photos, undated
Box 1, Folder 5art work, undated
VHS tapes and cassettes:
  • “Visual Odyssey”, by Richard Merritt (9/20/97) VHS
  • “Ballads and Anecdotes” by Dick Merritt (Great Bay Room Riverwoods, Exeter, NH 3/24/05) VHS
  • Dick Merritt: NH Images, (Dec. 1993) with letter explaining the tape, which appears to have been an attempt to convert family slides and 8mm film to VHS.
  • “A Musical Odyssey” (1997) 2 cassettes tapes