William Coleman Fleming (1909-2001) was a fine arts professor at Syracuse University from 1945-1975. He founded the Department of Fine Arts in 1947, and held the position of chairman for 22 years.

Fleming was also a noted pianist (debuting in the United States at Carnegie Hall), a music critic for the Post-Standard, and a renowned author of several books including Arts and Ideas, a textbook used in over 800 colleges and universities worldwide.

These papers cover the entire span of Fleming’s life, including family papers pre-dating his birth. The collection consists of 48 boxes – approximately 45 cubic feet. The finding aid was prepared by Kelli Kanvin.

Researchers interested in the William Coleman Fleming Papers should mention the collection's Accession Number (2862) when contacting the Syracuse University Archives. Please note that the collection is housed off-site and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room.