Kathryn “Kay” Clarenbach’s Papers & AJHA
I just received the good news today that our panel has been accepted by the American Journalism Historians Association. It’s called: “Into the Archives: A Look at Some Major American Resources.” I will be speaking about going through the papers of Kathryn “Kay” Clarenbach at the University of Wisconsin last summer.
Clarenbach was a leading feminist but not always the most visible person. Much of her work was done behind the scenes although she did serve as the first president of the National Organization for Women. She was also the chair of the Wisconsin Commission on the Status of Women – one of the most active state commissions in the country and considered a model for other states to follow. She served in these positions while also working as the head of Continuing Education at the University of Wisconsin. She left her papers to the University when she retired – a total of 112 boxes of materials.
I am writing about how the media covered Clarenbach’s role as an advocate for women. I am looking at the newspaper coverage in the women’s pages, the news sections and editorials.
Unlike the national mainstream media which often ignored or mocked feminism, Wisconsin newspapers took on a nuanced coverage of the issue. And, when it came to the editorial page coverage, Clarenbach usually won.
I am looking forward to speaking about Clarenbach in Kansas City in October.
