Scope and Content Note
The papers of Carrie Lane Chapman Catt (1859-1947), which span the years 1848-1950, reflect her steadfast dedication to two major ideals--the rights of women, particularly the right to vote, and world peace. The greater part of the manuscripts, 1890-1920, relates to Catt's efforts to secure the ballot for women. General Correspondence and Subject File series in the collection reveal the tactics she employed in achieving this goal. After the adoption of the nineteenth amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920, the subject matter of the collection reflects Catt's increasing concern with the settlement of international problems and the establishment of a world peace organization.
Her papers include diaries which recount in great detail her trip around the world on behalf of woman suffrage in 1911-1912, and substantial correspondence with prominent leaders of the women's movement. Notable among her correspondents are Alice Stone Blackwell, Ida Husted Harper, Mary Garrett Hay, Clara Hyde, Rosette Suzanne Manus, Maud Wood Park, Mary Gray Peck, Rosika Schwimmer, Edna Lamprey Stantial, and Justina Leavitt Wilson.
There is an extensive file of Catt's speeches and articles, most of which deal with woman's rights and peace. In the Subject File are biographical papers, awards, and birthday tributes, as well as manuscripts relating to the Woman's Centennial Congress of 1940, the National Committee on the Cause and Cure of War, and other organizations with which Catt was affiliated.