William Merritt Chase established Parsons School of Design in 1896 as the Chase School of Art. The name of the school changed to the New York School of Art in 1902, and to the New York School of Fine and Applied Art in 1909. This charter documents the 1909 name change. In 1940, the school was renamed Parsons School of Design in honor of former President Frank Alvah Parsons and to differentiate it from other, similarly named institutions.

This collection consists of publications from Parsons New School of Design and its affiliate programs, including catalogs for overseas schools, and continuing education and AAS programs. Catalogs hold information on school policies and admissions requirements, course descriptions, faculty rosters, and examples of student work. Materials for the years 1896-1912 consists primarily of photocopies of print advertisements for the Chase School of Art.

Includes 1,425 photographs, contact sheets and negatives documenting Parsons student and campus life, including exhibitions, award and fashion shows, guest lectures, field trips, and campus construction projects.