Administrative Information
Acquisition Information
The papers of Clara Barton, philanthropist, nurse, educator, and lecturer, were given to the Library of Congress from 1926 to 1959 by Lena Hubbell Chamberlain, Rena D. Hubbell, Herman P. Riccius, and Saidee F. Riccius. Additional material was purchased in 1956, 2002, 2020, 2021, and 2023.
Processing History
The papers of Clara Barton were processed by Elizabeth G. McPherson in 1955 and 1959. The papers were reorganized and prepared for microfilming in 1985 by Michael McElderry and Mary Wolfskill with the assistance of Paul Colton, Sherralyn McCoy, Susie Moody, and Carin Ruff. An addition was processed in 2003 by Laura J. Kells with the assistance of Jewel Parker. A second addition was processed by Colleen Benoit Kim in 2023.
The commemorative medals and decorations in boxes 177, 178, and 180 were rehoused into oversize boxes OV 10-OV 18 by the Conservation Division in 2022. As a result, boxes 177, 178, and 180 were physically removed from the collection but are still listed in the finding aid.
Transfers
Items have been transferred from the Manuscript Division to other custodial divisions of the Library. Some maps have been transferred to the Geography and Map Division. Some prints and photographs have been transferred to the Prints and Photographs Division. All transfers are identified in these divisions as part of the Clara Barton Papers. Patrons are encouraged to contact these divisions in advance of a research visit.
Microfilm
A microfilm edition of part of these papers is available on 123 reels. Consult reference staff in the Manuscript Division concerning availability for purchase or interlibrary loan. To promote preservation of the originals, researchers are required to consult the microfilm edition as available.
Online Content
Part of the papers of Clara Barton are available on the Library of Congress website at https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/collmss.ms000021. To promote preservation of the originals, researchers are required to consult the online edition.
The majority of the digital images of the commemorative medals and decorations listed in the Oversize series were provided by the National Park Service, circa 2005.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Container or reel number, Clara Barton Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.