Dayton C. Miller Flute Collection
● Widely cited in flute history and organology research.
● Serves as a resource for scholars, performers, makers, and educators worldwide.
ABOUT THIS COLLECTION
The Dayton C. Miller Flute Collection is one of the world’s largest and most significant flute archives. It contains nearly 1,700 flutes and other wind instruments, along with books, manuscripts, patents, trade catalogs, tutors, statuary, iconography, and music — all primarily related to the flute.
The scope extends from the 16th to the 20th century, with instruments from both Western and non-Western traditions. More than 460 European and American makers are represented, including extraordinary examples such as 18 crystal flutes by Claude Laurent (one formerly owned by President James Madison).
Dr. Miller’s collecting philosophy was inclusive: no object was too humble or too experimental, leading to a collection that documents everything from pristine masterpieces in precious metals and ivory to souvenir flutes, patents, and inventive prototypes.
In addition to instruments, the collection includes 3,000 books, 10,000 pieces of sheet music, portraits, photographs, patents, and over 850 prints and artworks featuring wind instruments. Together, they form an unparalleled resource for studying flute history, performance practice, pedagogy, and innovation.
Digital Access:
- Searchable online database, freely available worldwide.
- Many digitized items (images, manuscripts, books, music) can be downloaded directly.
- Higher-resolution files or restricted items may require special permission from the Library of Congress.