Schlesinger Library

The Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America documents the lives of women of the past and present for the future and furthers the Radcliffe Institute's commitment to women, gender, and society. 

Did You Know?

What you can learn about Amelia Earhart from what her mother recorded in her baby book? What artist Judy Chicago's early sketches look like? What Dorothy West's hopes were for the Harlem Renaissance? The Schlesinger Library collections feature diaries and letters that provide insights into the ordinary lives, struggles, and triumphs of women of all ages.   More

Current Exhibit

Tenacious Women: Activists in a Democratic Society

[Image by Jessica Tanny]

March 26, 2012 to September 7, 2012

Flo Kennedy, Maud Wood Park, Florence Luscomb, and Jeannette Rankin—four women who spent their lives working for democratic change and expanding the rights and freedoms of women and African Americans—are featured in the current exhibit on display until September 2012. From traditional methods of lobbying legislators and holding elected office to grassroots public demonstrations and teach-ins, these women exemplified American civic responsibility.

Picks & Finds

Fay House Re-opens after Renovations

Fay House 1899-1905 On May 3, 2012, the Radcliffe Institute celebrated the renovation and re-opening of Fay House with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Fay House has been at the heart of Radcliffe College, and now the Institute, since its very earliest days. The historic Fay Mansion was purchased in 1885 to provide the first permanent quarters for the growing college.

Celebrating Librarians

Jane Maud CampbellTo celebrate librarians, we are highlighting the papers of Jane Maud Campbell.