James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
880 Madison Drive MSC 1704 Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807 Telephone: (540) 568-3612 library-special@jmu.edu URL: https://www.lib.jmu.edu/special/
Tiffany Cole
Repository
James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
Identification
SC 0240
Title
Patricia Chalfant Women's Rights Collection 1968-1978
Quantity
1.65 cubic feet, 3 boxes, 1 flat folder
Creator
Chalfant, Patricia, 1941-2006
Language
English
.
Abstract
The Patricia Chalfant Women's Rights Collection, 1968-1978, is comprised of publications, ephemera, and conference material
documenting second-wave feminism and the women's liberation movement. Key subjects include the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA),
the National Organization for Women (NOW), and various organized marches including the July 9, 1978 March for the Equal Rights
Amendment in Washington, D.C.
The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library.
For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access Restrictions
Collection is open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this
collection.
Provenance
This collection was orphaned in Reba Leiding's office in Carrier Library and she transferred the materials to Special Collections
upon her retirement. The name Patricia Chalfant can be found on much of the materials, but no further information is known
about the creator's connection to JMU or the collection's provenance. A collection inventory created by JMU student Emily
Noonan was found in the box of Chalfant's materials. This document confirms that the material has been in the custody of JMU
since at least 2006.
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Patricia Chalfant Women's Rights Collection, 1968-1978, SC 0240, Special Collections,
Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
Acquisition Information
Received on December 12, 2015 from Reba Leiding, former librarian at JMU.
Processing Information
All publications are individually foldered with the exception of multi-issue serials which are foldered together by title.
Materials related to conferences and events were removed from their original folders or binders and foldered by event.
Patricia Jeanne Chalfant was born December 1, 1941 to Charles E. "Chap" Chalfant and Betty Hunter Chalfant of Christiana,
Pennsylvania. She was a 1959 graduate of Octorara High School in Atglen, Pennsylvania and a 1962 graduate of Juniata College
in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Chalfant continued her education by earning master's degrees from Drexel University and the University
of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She also attained her Juris Doctor from the Delaware Law School in 1985. Chalfant
served as an attorney for the United States Navy and as Associate Council for the Defence National Stockpile. She was regarded
by colleagues as being politically active and an advocate for women's rights. She was an active member of the National Organization
for Women and served as the president of the Wilmington, Delaware chapter of NOW. Chalfant died December 7, 2006 and is interred
at Glen Run Cemetery in Atglen, Pennsylvania.
The Patricia Chalfant Women's Rights Collection, 1968-1978, is comprised of publications, ephemera, and conference material
documenting second-wave feminism and the women's liberation movement. Key subjects include the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA),
the National Organization for Women (NOW), and various organized marches including the July 9, 1978 March for the Equal Rights
Amendment in Washington, D.C. Posters and other oversize items noted in the inventory are housed separately within one flat
file.
Series 1: Publications, 1968-1978, comprises the bulk of the collection and includes newsletters, pamphlets, booklets and
short published works on the topics of women's liberation, Title IX, the Equal Rights Amendment, and related feminist subjects.
Series 2: Conferences and Events, 1975-1978, documents national conferences, marches, and related women's rights events presumably
attended by Patricia Chalfant. Materials from the 1975 (Philadelphia), 1977 (Detroit), and 1978 (Washington, D.C.) National
Organization for Women national conferences are included. These materials include information on conference registration,
program and lecture schedules, committees, election ballots, members, and getting around in the host city. Three folders of
materials document the historic 1977 National Women's Conference in Houston, Texas. Newspaper clippings, information on conference
programming and schedules, and member and delegate information provide additional context for this significant moment in the
struggle for equal rights. Of particular interest are posters for a November 5, 1977 ERA rally and reception in Alexandria,
Virginia. The event featured NOW President Eleanor Smeal and actresses Esther Rolle and Lily Tomlin. The oversize poster is
signed by Lily Tomlin. Photographs are also included that document the 1978 ERA March on Washington.
Series 3: Ephemera, 1974-1978, includes blank postcards and note cards with feminist imagery, applied embroidery patterns
for logos and feminist symbols, a broadside printed by Helaine Victoria Press, posters, ERA related stickers and sashes, and
other miscellaneous items. Two oversize posters designed by feminist artist Judy Chicago are included.