Peggy Fleming papers

The Peggy Fleming papers consist of a 119-page travel journal documenting the summer 1961 travel of Peggy Fleming, nee Peggy Dougherty, to Nigeria as a participant in the Operation Crossroads Africa (OCA) Overseas Youth Program. The collection also includes photographs, correspondence, miscellaneous notes, newspaper clippings, and various ephemera received and collected on her trip. At the time of her participation with OCA, Fleming was employed in President John F. Kennedy's White House under Harris Wofford, who was working with Sargent Shriver to establish the foundation of the Peace Corps. When OCA founder James Robinson visited the White House to talk about his organization, Wofford suggested that Fleming participate in the OCA Overseas Youth Program for the summer. This collection documents the everyday life of Fleming and her OCA team in and around Achina, Nigeria, their travels throughout the country, and their encounters and interactions with Nigerians.

Correspondents in this collection include several of Fleming's friends, as well as her future husband, Pat Fleming. Additionally, the collection includes a 2003 letter from Richard P. Unsworth, who was the 1961 Nigeria group leader. Photographs primarily document OCA volunteers working and socializing with African hosts. Photographs were made by the following African-based photographers and/or studios: Alex Photo Studio, Gimo's Star Light Photos, Barbeach Onitsha, and Igwe Photo. Documents pertaining to Fleming’s OCA participation include a program, roster, and schedule for the 1961 Nigeria trip.