Papers of Jeanne Mager Stellman, 1968-2020

When donated to the library, the papers of Jeanne Mager Stellman included financial and grant records, and correspondence intermingled with general files. Some folder labels were missing, and loose material was found throughout the boxes. The processor brought together related files (e.g., correspondence, committees, conferences, grants, testimonies, surveys, research projects, etc.), rearranged or combined related folder contents, created folder titles, and provided the overall arrangement.

The majority of the financial records related to either the Women's Occupational Health Resource Center (WOHRC) or to grants, which had been administered through Columbia University's financial system. A sampling of the financial records was retained and placed with either the WOHRC files under "financial expenses," or with the appropriate grant.

The grant files arrived boxed together and were grouped by specific grant. They were maintained as a single group, with the exception of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) New Directions grant files transferred to the WOHRC files in Series IV), and comprise Series V.

The correspondence and general files were labeled as "chronological," "general files," or had a subject-specific title when received; contents overlapped and duplicated each other. The processor created a rough chronological arrangement for the whole of the correspondence files and weeded the extensive duplication to create Series II. The contents of subject-specific or topic-related files were maintained and brought together with other like files (e.g., committees, conferences, research projects, etc.) to create Series I, III, and IV. The contents of subject-specific or topic-related files that were comprised primarily of correspondence were maintained and placed in Series II following the chronological correspondence files. Files specifically noted as, or specifically related to, WOHRC were placed in Series IV.

Stellman did not separate her files by workplace, organization, institution, etc., but rather by year or subject. The contents of each file are a cumulative reflection of her overall professional work; most files are interrelated.

Additional material received in 2022 (accession number 2022-M61) were added to the collection in October 2022. These materials are housed in #27.1-34.8. All other files remain in the same order.

Series I, WRITINGS AND PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENTS, 1972-1989 (#1.1-3.7), contains resumes and Stellman's original container lists for the collection (#1.2); material on the Health Research Group's audiologists program (with Stellman's correspondence and certification); conference material (correspondence, reports, presentation material, schedules and agendas, pamphlets, notes, clippings, etc.); interviews; speeches; testimonies (transcripts, reports, correspondence, notes, drafts, etc.); writings; clippings; etc. The series is arranged alphabetically, and thereunder chronologically, following resumes.

Series II, CORRESPONDENCE AND RELATED, 1973-1988 (#3.8-13.6), contains general administrative and professional correspondence related to Stellman's work with the American Health Foundation (New York); Columbia University; the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union (Denver); Rutgers University; Scientific Associates (Brooklyn); Scientists' Institute for Public Information (New York); the University of Pennsylvania; WOHRC (see also #15.9-22.5, OD.1); and other places of employment. Correspondents include colleagues, staff, research students, unions (United States and Canada), lawyers, corporations, editors, committee and conference leaders, working women, etc. Topics focus on workplace health hazards (e.g., video display terminals (VDTs) and other office machinery, chemical exposure, air quality and noise dangers, protective clothing, ergonomics, etc.); OSHA standards; conference and committee work; research; letters of recommendation for others; professional reviews by Stellman; etc. Related material is also included (reports, minutes, pamphlets, memos, request forms, committee and conference materials, notes, drafts, clippings, etc.). Chronological correspondence files are followed by alphabetical correspondence files.

Series III, RESEARCH, 1971-1983 (#13.7-15.8), contains correspondence, questionnaires, survey results, reports, and resource material related to surveys, studies, and other research conducted by Stellman through her work with WOHRC, other places of employment, and grant-funded projects (see also #17.18-20.23, 22.6-26.25). Subject matter focuses on the effects of exposure to hazardous chemicals such as mercury, benzene, and ethylene oxide; health effects of jobs preformed by women in the trades; and the types of personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to women workers. Also included are four cases where Stellman provided professional consultation involving her expertise on hazardous materials. The series is arranged chronologically within each of several groupings: consulting activities, surveys, and other research.

Series IV, WOMEN'S OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER (WOHRC), 1975-1985 (#15.9-22.5, OD.1), contains advisory board minutes; annual reports; financial reports and expenses; pamphlets and forms; correspondence; conference materials; OSHA, New Dimensions grant files (early source of funding for WOHRC); project files including the Personal Protective Equipment Information Bureau (#21.2-21.7); publications; etc. The financial expenses are a sampling of invoices reflecting the purchase of research equipment, Stellman's books, unique requisitions for conferences, etc. Correspondence includes general administrative letters and request forms for WOHRC material, including material related to Stellman's work with the Service Employees International Union, AFL-CIO (#16.8-16.15). Conference material includes correspondence, invitations, publicity material, planning material, schedules and agendas, reports, drafts, pamphlets, photographs, and clippings. The inaugural debut of WOHRC was launched through its "Facets of Women's Occupational Health" conference (#15.18-15.20). Publications include publication lists, "factpacks," and fact sheets (clearinghouse material on various workplace hazards and protection guidelines compiled by WOHRC). For access to reference copies of (WOHRC news/Women's Occupational Health Resource Center), consult the library's catalog. The series is arranged alphabetically, and thereunder chronologically. The OSHA New Directions grant files are arranged by administrative material, then by yearly reports, followed by quarterly reports.

Series V, GRANT ADMINISTRATION, 1978-1990 (#22.6-26.25), contains grant applications and proposals, correspondence, reports, financial records, resumes and biographical sketches, publicity materials, etc.

Subseries A, National Cancer Institute (NCI), 1978-1990 (#22.6-23.13), includes grant materials for cancer research projects and the Preventive Oncology Academic Award, which provided funding for WOHRC.

Subseries B, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 1979-1984 (#23.14-24.11), includes grant materials for stress and mental health research projects in office environments.

Subseries C, National Institutes of Health (NIH), 1978-1983 (#24.12-24.18), includes grant materials for research projects related to women's occupational health.

Subseries D, Other grants, 1980-1988 (#24.19-26.25), includes grant material for research projects related to other occupational health hazards.

Series VI, ADDENDA, 1968-2020 (#27.1-34.8), includes articles and papers by Stellman; speeches, testimonies, and presentations given by Stellman; articles about Stellman; correspondence and research files related to Stellman's consultation work; and correspondence, grant proposals, publicity, and other materials related to her work with the Women's Occupational Health Resource Center (WOHRC). Files are arranged alphabetically.