Anna Chennault was a renowned author, lecturer, businesswoman, and citizen-diplomat. At the end of World War II, Anna Chen was living as a young journalist in China when she met, married, and moved to the United States with General Claire Lee Chennault. After her husband’s death in 1958, she became increasingly active in business and politics, and several administrations enlisted Chennault’s help in facilitating negotiations with China and other Asian countries.

The Chennault Papers, the bulk of which covers the years 1957–1989, encompass her work with the Republican Party and numerous Chinese American organizations.