Fannie Lou Hamer papers

Collection

Identifier: 165

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Papers of Fannie Lou Hamer measure approximately 16 linear feet and consist of 3,293 pieces of correspondence dated between 1966 and 1978. The correspondence represented includes not only that of Fannie Lou Hamer, but also that of a number of organizations to which she was in some way connected and of her business manager, Joseph Harris. Much of Hamer's business correspondence is included in the Harris correspondence. He was almost entirely responsible for the business aspects of Hamer's career, and in some cases he also represented her interests in organizations to which she belonged.

Also included in the papers are programs, photographs, invitations, newspaper articles, a print of the 16mm documentary film Oh, Freedom! on the civil rights movement, and a variety of material from each of the organizations represented.

This collection was processed under a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Dates

Created: 1966-1978
Other: Date acquired: 01/01/1981

Creator

Hamer, Fannie Lou (Person)

Conditions Governing Use

Any copy rights such as the donor may possess in this property are hereby dedicated to the public. It is the responsibility of an author to secure permission for publication from the holder of the copyright to any material contained in this collection.

Extent

16.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The materials when accessioned were not in any inherent order. The collection is arranged in topical series with correspondence preceding non-correspondence. Most letters date from 1967-1969. Non-correspondence generally falls in the following order: history or by-laws, financial records, memorandum, minutes, and proposals. Materials specifically relating to Fannie Lou Hamer are grouped under the heading "Personal." Papers dealing with major organizations are listed under the organization's title and include the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, Freedom Farms Corporation, Mississippians United to Elect Negro Candidates, and Delta Opportunities Corporation. Other smaller series are represented in the collection.

Custodial History

The collection was transferred to the Amistad Research Center from the Hamer Estate in Ruleville, MS.

Source of Acquisition

Hamer Estate

Method of Acquisition

Gift

Appraisal Information

This collection documents the activities of one of the most successful leaders of the civil rights movement in Mississippi.

Additional Access to Collection

Microfilm copies are available for research use. Collection digitized as part of "Archives Unbound" database.

Related Materials

CORE Mississippi, 4th Congregational District records (microfilm)

Fishman, Rose Carver letters, 1965-1968

Freedom Democratic Party records (microfilm)

Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee records (microfilm)

Valien, Preston & Bonita papers