Picks & Finds

Scholars have researched the development of gender roles through childhood letters. The Schlesinger Library has several "Dear Santa" letters in our collections. Whether you read them for amusement or to determine a more symbolic meaning is entirely up to you.

Among the Annie Ware Winsor Allen Papers held at Radcliffe's Schlesinger Library is a folder titled "Thanksgiving Poems, 1863–1916." The contents document the Thanksgiving celebrations of the Ware family from 1863 to 1908.

There are many ways for American citizens to participate in the political process. Although elections are central to our form of government, they are only part of the story. After election day, the work continues: changing the status quo is never quick or easy. The Schlesinger Library collects and makes available for research the correspondence, diaries, scrapbooks, and other papers of activists for civil rights, women’s health issues, peace and justice, welfare rights, and labor rights, as well as campaign materials regarding marriage equality, national health insurance, and capital punishment.

Fantasia Fair, founded by activist Ariadne Kane whose papers are at the Schlesinger, has provided a supportive environment for individuals exploring alternative gender identities and roles since 1975. Held annually in Provincetown, Massachusetts, the Fair celebrated its 37^th year in October 2012.