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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, May 1973-March 1978

ARCH.2003.39, Rendition: 806530

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The image shows a newspaper clipping attached to a brown folder. The clipping is from the Boston Globe, dated Thursday, January 10, 1974. It contains two articles related to the theft of coins from the Fogg Museum at Harvard University.

Article 1: "Stolen Fogg Museum coins elude world alert"

  • Author: Jeff McLaughlin
  • Content:
    • The article discusses the theft of 43 million dollars worth of rare coins and Roman coins from the Fogg Museum.
    • The theft involved 24 coins, including a 1913 Liberty Head nickel worth 1 million dollars.
    • The theft occurred through a third-floor window, with the thief entering through a rope and pulley system.
    • The investigation involves the FBI and Cambridge police, with the FBI assigning a special agent to the case.
    • The thief left a note saying the coins would be returned within a month.
    • The coins are believed to be part of a larger heist involving other museums and private collections.
    • The article includes a quote from Det. Sgt. Roscoe of the Cambridge police, who is leading the investigation.

Article 2: "Museums try to tighten security—FBI follows 'good' coin-theft leads"

  • Authors: Stephen Webber and Kristen Keh
  • Content:
    • The article discusses the security measures being reviewed by museums in the wake of the theft.
    • The FBI is following up on several leads, including a "good lead" from a woman who reported a suspicious man.
    • The theft is believed to be part of a larger organized crime operation.
    • Museums are increasing security measures, such as adding guards and reviewing security systems.
    • The article mentions other recent thefts, including the theft of paintings from the Fogg Museum and Civil War weapons from the Ward Museum.

Additional Notes:

  • There is a handwritten note at the top of the folder indicating the date and source of the article.
  • The folder appears to be part of a larger collection or archive, as indicated by the label "C 5 Museum 2/4" at the bottom.

The overall tone of the articles is investigative, focusing on the details of the theft and the measures being taken to prevent future incidents.

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The image shows a collection of newspaper articles, specifically from The Boston Globe, dated Thursday, January 10, 1974. The main article, titled 'Stolen Fogg Museum coins elude world alert,' reports on the theft of 28 coins, including a $20,000 Greek coin, from the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are involved in the investigation, with suspicions that the theft may be linked to a similar heist at the Mint in Miami. The article also mentions the challenges in recovering the stolen items due to their small size and high value.

Another article, titled 'Museums try to tighten security,' discusses the increased security measures at museums following the Fogg Museum theft. The Fogg Art Museum director, Daniel Robbins, ordered an immediate review of security, and other museums like the Sturbridge Military Museum and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are also enhancing their security systems.

A smaller article, 'Paintings stolen,' reports on the theft of three Jackson Pollock paintings worth $250,000 from a Cambridge apartment, and a separate incident where a Civil War weapon was stolen from the National Guard Armory.

The articles collectively highlight a wave of thefts targeting valuable art and historical items, and the subsequent efforts to secure museums and recover the stolen objects.

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The image is a collage of newspaper clippings from the Boston Globe dated November 10, 1974, detailing the theft of ancient Greek coins from the Fogg Museum at Harvard University.

  1. Top Clipping (Boston Globe, Thursday, November 10, 1974):

    • Headline: "Stolen Fogg Museum coins elude world alert"
    • Author: Jeff McLaughlin
    • Summary: This article discusses the theft of 5800 ancient Greek coins valued at approximately $1.5 million. The thief accessed the museum through a third-floor window, bypassing the security system. The investigation involved law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, and the Boston office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The lead detective, Sgt. Roscoe, was not allowed to discuss specifics due to ongoing investigations. Interpol and Scotland Yard were also involved. The museum's curator, George Fogg, emphasized the coins' significance in world history and education.
  2. Second Clipping (Christian Science Monitor):

    • Headline: "Museums try to tighten security – FBI follows 'good' coin-theft leads"
    • Authors: Stephen Wobble and Kristen Keil
    • Summary: This piece highlights efforts by museums to improve security after the theft. The Fogg Museum director, Daniel Robbins, ordered immediate security upgrades after the theft. The FBI is following leads related to the theft, and the Boston Art Museum and other institutions are also tightening security measures. There is concern about the possibility of future thefts and the effectiveness of current security measures.
  3. Additional Details:

    • The theft occurred on December 2, when Charles Pearson of Alston, Massachusetts, was caught with a large quantity of the stolen coins. He was arrested and the coins were recovered.
    • The Fogg Museum's curator, George Fogg, mentioned that the coins are essential for academic study and research.
    • Security measures included the use of guards and improved surveillance systems, although some security lapses were noted.

The clippings collectively cover the aftermath, the investigation, and the measures taken by the museum to prevent future occurrences.

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The image contains two newspaper clippings from the 1970s detailing incidents involving the theft of valuable artifacts and coins from museums.

  1. Top Clipping (The Boston Globe, November 10, 1974):

    • Headline: "Stolen Fogg Museum coins elude world alert"
    • Content: This article discusses the theft of 5800 ancient Greek coins from the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University in Cambridge. The coins, valued at $1.5 million, were stolen by an unknown person who accessed the museum through a window on the third floor. The case is being handled by the FBI and the Boston office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The coins are part of the museum's collection, which includes items from ancient history. The article also mentions that Interpol has been alerted, and the investigation is ongoing. The thief's identity and whereabouts remain unknown.
    • Additional Details: It mentions that the case is under investigation by a special agent, Carroll Farmer, and includes quotes from museum officials, such as Fogg curator George Handman, and references to the involvement of the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
  2. Bottom Clipping (The Christian Science Monitor, November 1974):

    • Headline: "Museums try to tighten security – FBI follows 'good' coin-theft leads"
    • Content: This article discusses measures taken by museums to improve security following the theft of coins from the Fogg Art Museum. The Fogg Museum's director, Daniel Robbins, ordered the installation of new security measures, including electronic devices and guards, after the theft of 5,800 Greek coins valued at $1.5 million.
    • Additional Details: The article highlights concerns about security in museums around Boston and mentions another theft incident at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, where a painting by Jackson Pollock was stolen. It also notes that the FBI is investigating these thefts and that museums are generally tightening their security protocols to prevent further incidents.

Both clippings emphasize the seriousness of the thefts and the efforts being made by law enforcement and museum authorities to recover the stolen items and prevent future thefts.

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The image shows three newspaper clippings from different publications, detailing incidents related to thefts at the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

  1. Top Clipping (The Boston Globe, Thursday, 11/10/74):

    • Headline: "Stolen Fogg Museum coins elude world alert."
    • Author: Jeff McLaughlin, Globe Staff.
    • Summary:
      • Law enforcement agencies worldwide are searching for 5800 ancient Greek coins valued at $500,000, stolen from the Fogg Museum.
      • The coins were taken by four men on December 23, 1973, through the third-floor window.
      • The theft went unnoticed for a month, with the coins discovered missing on January 21, 1974.
      • The FBI, Interpol, and Scotland Yard are involved in the investigation, but the thieves remain at large.
      • The museum's curator, George Hanfmann, is quoted discussing the coins' importance to ancient studies.
  2. Middle Clipping (Christian Science Monitor):

    • Headline: "Museums try to tighten security – FBI follows 'good' coin-theft leads."
    • Authors: Stephen Webster and Kristen Keich.
    • Summary:
      • The Fogg Art Museum tightened security after the theft, with staff checking the museum and collecting a shopping bag and gun found on the premises.
      • FBI agents are following leads from the coin theft.
      • The theft is believed to be organized, possibly by an individual with knowledge of the museum.
      • The FBI is also investigating a similar theft from the Sturbridge Military Museum.
      • Museums in Boston are increasing security measures, such as using electronic devices and guards.
  3. Bottom Clipping (Christian Science Monitor, 12/4):

    • Headline: "Museums concerned."
    • Summary:
      • The Fogg Art Museum theft has raised concerns among other museums about security.
      • The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is also taking precautions.
      • Despite increased security, some museums still rely on basic measures like guards at gunpoint.
      • The Fogg Art Museum's director, Daniel Robbins, is quoted saying that despite electronic devices and guards, the museum is still vulnerable.

Overall, these articles highlight the significant theft at the Fogg Art Museum, the subsequent international investigation, and the heightened security measures taken by museums in response to the incident.

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The image is a newspaper clipping from The Boston Globe, dated Thursday, November 1, 1973. The headline reads "Stolen Fogg Museum coins elude world alert."

Main Article:

Title: Stolen Fogg Museum coins elude world alert
By: Jeff McLaughlin, Globe Staff

The article details a significant theft from the Fogg Museum at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. On December 2, an estimated $5 million to $10 million worth of ancient Greek and Roman coins was stolen. The theft involved up to 35 coins, valued at anywhere from the third floor of the museum, which was accessible through a poorly secured area.

The law enforcement agencies, including Interpol, were notified, and alerts were sent to art dealers, teams, and museums worldwide to help recover the stolen items.

The article also includes an eyewitness account from a night watchman, Charles Pezzano of Allston, who saw a man acting suspiciously near the museum. Pezzano described the man, who identified himself as "Mr. Ryan," and noted that this individual left a bag near the museum and later called to say he had left it by mistake. The bag contained unrelated items, not the stolen coins.

Secondary Article:

Title: Museums try to tighten security—FBI follows 'good' coin-theft leads
By: Stephen Weldon and Fred Koch, Globe Correspondents

This article discusses the security measures being reconsidered by museums following the heist at the Fogg Museum. The FBI and local police were actively following leads. Daniel Robbins, the director of the Fogg Art Museum, stated that the robbery was discovered Monday morning and that the museum's security was immediately reviewed.

The FBI and local authorities were investigating the possibility that the theft was an inside job. Museums across Boston, including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, were prompted to review and tighten their security measures.

Additional Brief:

Title: Paintings stolen

This short piece reports the theft of three paintings by artist Jackson Pollock from the Cambridge apartment of Harvard Prof. Reginald Isaacs. The stolen artworks, valued at $150,000, were taken sometime between the previous Friday night and the morning of their discovery on Wednesday, November 28.

Summary:

The newspaper articles highlight the theft of valuable coins from the Fogg Museum, the subsequent investigation, and the broader implications for museum security. Additionally, it mentions another art theft in Cambridge, emphasizing a growing concern for art security.

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The image displays several newspaper clippings pinned on a cork bulletin board. The largest and most prominent clipping has a headline that reads "Stolen Fogg Museum coins elude world alert". The date on the newspaper is "Thursday, 11/07/74". The article seems to describe an incident regarding stolen coins. Below the main clipping are two smaller ones with headlines "Museums try to tighten security—" and "FBI follows 'good' coin-theft leads". To the bottom right of the image, there's a handwritten note that reads "C.S. Monitor_11/4", indicating that at least one of the articles may be from The Christian Science Monitor newspaper dated November 4th. There is also a single blue push pin securing the clippings to the board and one circular white sticker or a similar object.

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The image shows a scrapbook page with two newspaper clippings related to thefts from museums.

  1. The top clipping is from The Boston Globe, dated Thursday, January 10, 1974. The headline reads: "Stolen Fogg Museum coins elude world alert." The article by Jeff McLaughlin discusses the theft of 5800 ancient Greek and Roman coins from the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University. The coins were valued up to $5 million and were taken by a group of at least one armed man who gained access through a ruse. The article mentions the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies and notes that the coins have yet to be recovered. It also includes a photograph of Det. Sgt. Roscoe with the caption, "...can’t discuss case." The article provides details on challenges in recovering the coins, including international considerations, and mentions the investigation and security concerns.

  2. The bottom clipping is from The Christian Science Monitor by Stephen Webbe and Kristen Keleh, titled, "Museums try to tighten security—FBI follows ‘good’ coin-theft leads." It details efforts by museums and law enforcement to increase security after recent thefts. It mentions a theft of 5800 coins from the Fogg Art Museum and additional art thefts, including paintings and Civil War weapons, from other locations. The article describes the responses by museum directors and police officials, including the use of electronic devices and guards, as well as skepticism about how much can be done to prevent determined thieves.

The scrapbook page is dated at the bottom "C.S. Monitor 12/4" written in blue ink and has two punched holes on the right side. The page itself appears to be a brownish paper backing to which the clippings are glued or attached.

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The image appears to be a newspaper clipping or article from The Boston Globe, dated Thursday, January 10, 1974. The article is about a theft of ancient coins from the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University.

The article begins with a headline that reads "Stolen Fogg Museum coins elude world alert." It then provides details about the theft, stating that law enforcement agencies around the world have found no trace of the 866 ancient Greek and Roman coins stolen from the museum. The coins were valued at up to $5 million and were taken from the third floor of the museum by four or more men who gained access through a rear entrance.

The article goes on to mention that Interpol has been alerted to the theft and that both the FBI and the Department of Defense have been involved in the investigation. It also discusses the security measures in place at the museum and other museums in the Boston area, as well as the challenges they face in preventing thefts.

The article includes quotes from various individuals, including Daniel Robbins, the director of the Fogg Art Museum, who expressed concern that the theft may have been committed by an art thief who has organized other thefts in the Massachusetts area. The article also mentions that paintings have been stolen from Harvard's Pollock apartment and that weapons have been stolen from the Museum of War in Shrewsbury.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into a significant art theft that occurred in the 1970s and the efforts made by law enforcement agencies and museums to prevent such incidents from happening again.

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The image shows a scanned newspaper page from The Boston Globe, dated Thursday, November 10, 1974. The page features two main articles:

Top Article: "Stolen Fogg Museum coins elude world alert"

  • Headline: "Stolen Fogg Museum coins elude world alert"
  • Byline: By Jeff LaLaughlin, Globe Staff
  • Content Overview:
    • The article discusses the theft of approximately $800 in ancient Greek and Roman coins from the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University. The coins were stolen on December 2 from a safe on the third floor of the museum.
    • The stolen coins were valued at $1.3 million in 1974, with some dating back to the third century B.C.
    • Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are investigating the theft. The FBI agent, Carroll Farmer, mentions that the theft is "very much under investigation" and that they are making progress.
    • The article also references international efforts to recover stolen artifacts, noting that many countries have laws to dispose of stolen property and that Interpol is involved.
    • A quote from Leonard Piazza of Lynn, who was arrested in connection with the case, is mentioned. Piazza stated that he could not discuss the case due to a grand jury appearance.
    • The article also mentions George Teach, a teaching curator at Harvard, who notes that the stolen coins are an integral part of the museum's educational curriculum.

Bottom Article: "Museums try to tighten security"

  • Headline: "Museums try to tighten security"
  • Subheadline: "FBI follows 'good' coin theft leads"
  • Byline: By Stephen Webb and Kristen Keich, The Christian Science Monitor
  • Content Overview:
    • This article discusses the increased security measures being implemented by museums in response to recent thefts, particularly the Fogg Art Museum robbery.
    • It highlights that the Fogg Art Museum director, Daniel Robbins, ordered immediate security upgrades following the theft of $500,000 in art, including a $50,000 Greek vase.
    • The article mentions that the FBI is investigating the theft and that they believe the robbery may have been organized by a "professional art thief."
    • Other museums, such as the Sturbridge Military Museum and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, are also concerned about security. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum director, Canton Hadley, notes that the museum is always trying to tighten security, including the use of lights and guards.
    • The article also references a separate theft of three paintings from the Cambridge apartment of Harvard professor Reginald Isaacs, valued at $90,000, and the theft of Civil War weapons from a museum in Shrewsbury.

Visual Elements:

  • The page has a classic newspaper layout with columns of text.
  • The top article is prominently displayed with a bold headline and subheadline.
  • The bottom article is smaller but still clearly visible, with its own headline and byline.
  • There is a faint watermark or scan mark visible in the center of the image, indicating that this is a scanned or reproduced copy of the original newspaper page.
  • The overall tone of the articles is informative, focusing on crime, security, and museum operations.

Additional Notes:

  • The page includes a small handwritten note at the bottom right corner that reads "C.S. Monitor 12/4," likely indicating the source or date of the scan.
  • The articles reflect the concerns of the time regarding art theft and museum security, highlighting the challenges faced by institutions in protecting valuable collections.

This page provides a snapshot of media coverage of high-profile art thefts and the subsequent efforts to enhance security measures in museums.