Melnea Cass (1896-1978), Roxbury, Massachusetts. Interviewed by: Tahi Lani Mottl, February 1, 1977.
Dates
- Creation: 1976-1981
Language of Materials
Materials in English.
Access Restrictions:
Access. All of transcripts are open for research with the exception of Merze Tate, which is incomplete. All of the tapes are preserved at the Schlesinger Library, but the following five interviews are closed until 2027: Kathleen Adams, Margaret Walker Alexander, Lucy Mitchell, Ruth Temple, and Era Bell Thompson. Some oral histories have other restrictions which are noted in the finding aid. Researchers must contact Research Services for access to audiovisual material.
Extent
7 linear feet ((7 cartons) plus 353 audiotapes)Biographical / Historical
Called "Roxbury's First Lady," "Roxbury's Elder Stateswoman"; active in NAACP (president, Boston branch 1962-1964); Board of Overseers of Public Welfare (Boston); affiliated with National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, YWCA, United Church Women; "Melnea Cass Day" proclaimed by mayor of Boston, May 22, 1966; Massachusetts State Mother of the Year, 1974.
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.