About the Collection

The Naff Collection is named after Lula Naff, the manager of the Ryman Auditorium from 1920-55, having previously been a booking agent for the venue years prior. Dating from 1901-1955, this collection is an array of items Ms. Naff kept and later bestowed to Francis Robinson, then assistant manager of the Metropolitan Opera, at her retirement in 1955. Robinson later donated the collection to the Nashville Public Library. It is because of her dedication to the Ryman and custom of keeping memorabilia that this collection has been able to be enjoyed nearly a century later. The Naff Collection is an assortment of the Ryman’s program booklets, photographs, posters, advertising announcements, letters, and more over that nearly 55 year stretch of time.