Scope and Content Note
The records of the Citizens Party span the years 1976 to 1993, with the bulk of the material ranging in date between 1979 and 1981. The collection is arranged alphabetically by topic or material type, with a significant portion concentrated in a grouping representing papers maintained by Dan Leahy, executive director, national secretary, and executive committee member of the party from 1979 to 1981.
The collection primarily chronicles the Citizens Party’s organization at the national and local level, the formation of its platform, and its campaign efforts, especially during the 1980 presidential election. Very little material related to the party’s activities beyond 1983 and ultimate disbandment in 1987 is represented in these records. Material types include correspondence, Executive Committee and Steering Committee meeting notes, campaign strategy files, local chapter procedures and records, financial records, membership directories, newsletters, newspaper clippings, and printed matter.