Subseries A. Adoption writing and research, 1940-2010 (#27.8-65.7. E.1-E.4)
Scope and Contents
Subseries A, Adoption writing and research, 1940-2010 (#27.8-65.7, E.1-E.4), includes research notes; correspondence; speeches; conference notes and ephemera; journal fragments; notes from client sessions and "rap group" sessions; draft and completed questionnaires from birth parents and adoptees; published articles; etc. It appears that Lifton used this material repeatedly for her adoption-related writing, including Twice Born, Lost & Found, and Journey of the Adopted Self, as well as articles and at least one unpublished book initially titled "The Age of Search and Reunion." Lifton's research notes consist of notes on reading as well as re: her interviews of professional psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists on a variety of topics related to adoption and their writings. These individuals include Erik Erikson, David Kirschner, and Joyce Pavao, among others, with many of whom she developed personal relationships. Lifton also conducted interviews of adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents whom she met at various talks she gave and conferences she attended, regarding their experiences with adoption. Some of these individuals completed questionnaires that Lifton had created as part of her research for her several books. Lifton also published her questionnaires in various adoption-related newsletters and circulated them through adoption rights organizations including the American Adoption Congress and Concerned United Birthparents and many were completed by individuals unknown to her previously. Occasionally she also asked those who wrote her fan letters to complete questionnaires, many of whom complied. Since she assured individuals completing questionnaires anonymity most original questionnaires are closed to research. Electronic access to redacted copies of these questionnaires is provided in folder #E.1. Notations appear on folders that contain original questionnaires where those individuals waived their right to privacy, did not include identifying information, or are deceased. Lifton often used information gained while counseling patients in her books. Files related to these patients have been closed. Also included in this subseries are personal reminiscences, unpublished manuscripts for books and articles, and interviews of a number of adoptees, birth parents, etc., who shared their personal stories with Lifton. It is assumed that much of this material was used in her books. The material was originally arranged alphabetically by topic/book title by Lifton. While the original alphabetical arrangement was maintained, many smaller folders containing few documents were combined and either titled with Lifton's original group heading or folder titles were combined and separated by forward slashes. Most original folder titles were retained. Those appearing in brackets were created by the processor.
Dates
- Creation: 1884-2010
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1939-2010
Language of Materials
Materials in English, Polish, Hebrew, German, or Japanese.
Access Restrictions:
Access. Most of the collection is open for research. An appointment is necessary to use any audiovisual material.
Folders #28.7, 28.9, 28.11-28.12, 31.4, 31.6, 31.13-31.14, 32.1, 32.4-32.5, 32.8-32.10, 32.13, 32.16, 33.10, 33.12, 34.2, 34.5-34.6, 34.21, 35.4, 35.7, 36.1-36.2, 36.5, 36.7-36.10, 36.15, 36.17, 37.3, 37.6, 38.3, 38.5, 38.14, 39.14, 43.4, 44.1, 44.6, 45.8, 45.15, 46.6, 17.6, 47.7, 50.7 are closed until January 1, 2020 though January 1, 2080 as noted below. These files, where access would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy for third party individuals, are closed for a period of 90 years from the date of birth of the individual discussed in the file.
Folders #86.1-107.20 are closed until January 1, 2027 through January 1, 2096 and folders #108.6-108.15 are closed until January 1, 2042 through January 1, 2070 as noted below. Client files are closed for a period of 90 years from the date of birth of the youngest client discussed in the file.
Extent
45.04 linear feet ((108 file boxes) plus 3 folio folders, 2 folio+ folders, 1 oversize folders, 25 photograph folders, 58 audiotapes)Physical Location
Collection stored off site: researchers must request access 36 hours before use.
Repository Details
Part of the Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute Repository
The preeminent research library on the history of women in the United States, the Schlesinger Library documents women's lives from the past and present for the future. In addition to its traditional strengths in the history of feminisms, women’s health, and women’s activism, the Schlesinger collections document the intersectional workings of race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class in American history.