National Academy of Design records, 1817-2012

This series includes printed constitutions and by-laws as well as constitutional proposals. The earliest constitution was adopted in 1826 and names the current council officials, professors, academicians, associates, and honorary members, and states the mission and guidelines for operation in regards to membership, officers, annual meetings, elections, school, exhibitions, and how the constitution could be amended or altered. The by-laws outline the rules by which council officials, members, professors, and visitors will abide. The second constitution, adopted in 1829, also includes the act of incorporation, passed in 1828. The constitution and by-laws were reprinted every three to fifteen years to reflect amendments, alterations, and new leadership and members. Some constitutions include inventories of the Academy's property. The constitution from 1943 includes a list of artworks in the Academy's collection, and the constitution from 1952 lists all property owned by the Academy, including furniture, books, and artwork. Many copies of the constitutions and by-laws are annotated.

Constitutional proposals include amendment drafts, alterations, and related correspondence.

The series is arranged as two subseries, each arranged chronologically.