Harrison papers

The papers of Anna J. Harrison consist of American Chemical Society records; subject files containing correspondence, reports, minutes, publications, and other documents; material relating to Mount Holyoke College; her research material and published and unpublished writings; letters by and to her; memorabilia; biographical information; and photographs. The bulk of the collection is arranged in subject files. The papers chiefly concern Harrison's professional activities as an educator and researcher from 1938-1989. The material includes records reflecting her work with many scientific organizations in the United States, particularly the American Chemical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association of American Colleges, the Chemical Manufacturers Association, the Education Commission of the States, the Manufacturing Chemists' Association, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Research Council, the National Science Board, the National Science Foundation, and the Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute. Other documents concern many of the conferences that Harrison attended in the United States and abroad and reflect her association with numerous universities and colleges as a lecturer, consultant or honorary degree recipient. Also included are reports, correspondence and articles concerning her trips to India as a representative of the National Science Foundation in 1971 and the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1983; to Japan, Spain, and Thailand as president of the American Chemical Society in 1978; and to Antarctica in 1974 as a representative of the National Science Board. Material in the collection also reflects her interest in the support of science education by state and federal agencies, the role and status of women in science, and public health issues. The papers also document her work with editorial boards and organizations that produced scientific publications or sponsored films and other projects. Material relating to Mount Holyoke College dates from 1969-1986 and includes correspondence with former students, records for a course in elementary chemistry that Harrison often taught, and her recommendations for students, faculty, staff, and colleagues. This collection also contain her writings from 1938-1996 including experiment findings, speeches, and articles she wrote for such publications as the "Journal of the American Chemical Society", "Chemical and Engineering News", and "Encyclopaedia Britannica". Her Master's thesis and Ph.D. dissertation are included as well. The collection also contains autobiographical and biographical information about Harrison, 1949-1999; genealogical and biographical information about members of the Harrison family, 1854-1952 and 1978; and Harrison's diplomas and other memorabilia, ca.1884-1998. Rounding out the collection are formal and informal photographs of Harrison alone and with others, ca.1910-1992, and of her parents and the family home, ca.1903, ca.1917.