This collection consists of diaries kept by portrait painter Sarah G. Putnam from the age of nine (26 November 1860) until near her death at the age of 61 (10 April 1912). The diaries document her career as a portrait painter and her extensive travels. Putnam also used the diaries as scrapbooks for programs, playbills, letters, postcards, and newspaper clippings, and lists of books read. Her career as an artist is documented through ink and pencil sketches and approximately 400 pasted-in watercolors, with lists and programs of her exhibited paintings. Pasted into the diaries are also 526 photographs corresponding to Putnam's written and painted entries.

For specific guidance on transcribing Sarah Gooll Putnam's diaries, please see these tips from our seasoned transcribers.