ArchivesSpace Public Interface

Papers Regarding Local and National History Edit

Summary

Level of Description
Series

Dates

  • 1927-1983 (Creation)

Notes

  • Scope and Contents

    Series IV is divided into two subseries, local and national history. Subseries IV.1 contains papers pertaining to Mrs. Kitchel's involvement in local anniversary celebration committees, like the Greenwich Tercentenary in 1940. The papers also demonstrate her interest in the development of Greenwich and Old Greenwich - the libraries, churches, schools, and infrastructure. Researchers interested in early 20th century Greenwich should note the series of articles written by Helen Binney Kitchel's son-in-law Reynolds Girdler, for the National Bicentennial in 1976.

    Subseries IV.2 is especially interesting as it helps to illustrate Greenwich's role in national and international events. Mrs. Kitchel was a member of the Connecticut State Advisory Committee on Women's Participation for the 1939 World's Fair organizing committees. Also interesting in this collection are the materials relating to World War II - how the town of Greenwich responded to the needs of the world around them. Mrs. Kitchel was a successful fundraiser for many causes such as the Red Cross, The United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, and for Greenwich, England. Also of interest to the World War II researcher are a wealth of items from that time, like actual food and gasoline ration cards that belonged to the Kitchels, color posters promoting the 7th War Loan Drive, printed instructions of what Greenwich residents should do in case of an air raid, along with various I.S. government printed materials illustrating the benefits of war bonds, and a picture book explaining democracy to children.

Components