Start your archival research for National History Day 2016-2017 with a topic relating to the theme Taking a Stand in History by following this guide. 

Use the menu on the left to view additional material related to this topic. You can also explore other materials and topics using our Library Subject Guides. Two collections that may be good places to begin are highlighted below - the Black Women Oral History Project and the Schlesinger Library Luncheon Series.

Take Note

For this guide, we have made an effort to highlight collections that have been digitized (in full or in part) to make it easier for those who may be unable to visit us in person. For those who can make the trip, we welcome your visit to the Schlesinger Library! Many of our physical collections may be stored offsite and/or have access restrictions, so be sure to contact us in advance of your visit. Some of the digitized materials are only available with a Harvard login, but can be accessed during an in-person visit. 

The Black Women Oral History Project was initiated by a recommendation made by Letitia Woods Brown, professor of history at George Washington University. Noting that the stories of African-American women were inadequately documented in the Schlesinger Library and at other centers for research, Dr. Brown recommended that the Schlesinger Library of Radcliffe College collect the oral memoirs of a selected group of older black women. These women, many already in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, had made substantial contributions to improving the lives of 

African-Americans and all people, through professional and voluntary activities, in their communities and nationally.Many interviewees had professional careers in fields such as education, government, the arts, business, medicine, law and social work. Others combined care for their families with voluntary service to their communities, regions, or to the nation. Scientific sampling techniques were not employed in the selection process; rather the goal of the project was to interview a cross section of the many women of African descent who had made significant contributions of varying kinds to American society in the early and mid-decades of the twentieth century.

Transcripts and audio files are available online and can be found in the finding aid by clicking on the blue link next to the content. The Black Women Oral History Project collection consists of audiotapes and transcripts of 72 oral histories. Many are available online through the finding aid and the link below. 

Audio Files and Transcripts

For more information about this topic, please visit the full finding aid here.

Audiotapes of talks by speakers featured in the Schlesinger Library Luncheon Series, 1979-1987. Most of the speakers are donors of manuscript collections housed at the library. All the audio files are available online and are a good way to get started on contemporary women's history. 

Includes speakers such as Virginia Foster Durr, Marguerite Rawalt, Mary Calderone, Esther Peterson, Julia Child, Clara M. Beyer, Florence Howe, Mary Eastwood, Betty Friedan, Bernice Sandler and many, many more. In clicking the link, you will be directed to a list of these women and links to their interviews.

Audio Files

For more information about this Series, please visit the full finding aid here.