Center for The Study of The History afNursing
E. LYNAUGH, R.N., Ph.D., F.A.A.N Director
JOAN
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SCHOOL OF NURSING NURSING EDUCATION BUILDING
KARE
B UHLER-WILKERSON,
PHILADELPHIA. PA
R.N., Ph.D.
19104-6020
Archivist
Fall Newsletter
We intend to periodically bring our supporters up to date on the work o f the Center. This newsletter, which celebr ates our first birthday , begins that tradition. We will be interested in your reaction. "History" of the Center The Center's origins can be traced to an ad hoc History Committee appointed by Dean Claire Fagin In 1983. The committee was charged with the task of recommending what, if any, initiatives related to nursing history should be undertaken by the school. The cormnittee, chaired by Judith A. Smith , PhD , explored a variety of strategies and ultimately recommended to the Dean that a Center should be established to facilitate a multi-faceted historical initiative. This recorrmendation was made in the vJinter of 1985 and the Center opened last st.mmer. Allocation of substantial space (2, 030 square feet) by Dean Fagin and generous gifts by Overseer Lillian Brunner and an anonymous donor made the Center feasible. Official University authorization of both the Center and its objectives was granted by the Provost, at the recommendat ion of the University Academic Review Committee, in February, 1986. Based on the History Committee's recommendations and with the approval of the Provost, the Center is organized under the general dir ection of an Advisory Board and run by Director Joan E. Lynaugh, RN, PhD , and Archivist Karen Buhler-Wilkerson, RN, PhD. The first Advisory Board was invited by Dean Cl aire Fagin upon recorrmendation of narres frem the ad hoc History Cammittee. To date, the individuals listed below have accepted the responsibilities of Advisory Board membership. The first meeting of the CFSHN Advisory Board will be held October 7, 1986 at which tirre the Advisory Board will succeed the ad hoc History Committee as general guide for the Center. The Director reports both to the Dean of the School of Nursing and the Advisory Board. Founding Advisory Board Members Ellen D. Baer Lillian S. Brunner Sandra L. Chaff M. Louise Fitzpatrick Nadine Landis
Charles Rosenberg
Thelma M. Schorr
Stephanie A. Stachniewicz
Joan E. Lynaugh (Director )
Karen Buhler-I.vilkerson (Archivist)
Center Activities - 1985-86 As you knaN, the ~rk of the Center involves s ix general categories: the archives, teaching history, faculty r e search and publication, disseminating information about nursing history , development and fund raising, and collaboration with national groups supportive of our goals.
Though the architect's drawings and feasibility studies are completed (in anticipation of renovating space on the 3rd floor of NEB allocated to the Center, actual renovation IlRlst await successful fund raising . 'IWo hundred and fifty thousand dollars will be needed to convert the space to a fully operational archives and research center . In the meantime, minor renovations Il'ake it possible to go forward with collecting, preserving and cataloging new acquisitions. The space is secure and well-ventilated; temporary equipment and shelving are in place. Our collection focuses on 'paper' materials related to practice and education in nursing in our region and on community heal th nursing in the nation. Intake includes many reports, journals, photographs, early texts and notebooks. As these are accessioned we will create a running list to share with you in future newsletters. 'IWo courses in history of nursing are currently being offered and four doctoral students are now involved in historical study and research.
Faculty research (Drs. Baer, Lynaugh and Wilkerson) focuses on the evolution of the professional ideal in nursing, changes in American health care and educational institutions, and history of community/home care nursing . Faculty are also very involved in local and national dissemination of research findings and information about the history of nursing. In January , 1987 Nursing Research will commemorate its 35th Anniversary by devoting the entire issue to historical research in nursing. Plans for Year
'IWo
We are selecting a computer-based cataloging system and plan to set that up in the next few rronths. This will enable much rrore detailed listings and easier location of research materials for our users. We are working on our survey of sources for materials relating to nursing hi story which will complement surveys being conducted in other regions of the country. No doubt many of you in our region will be hearing from us through your institutions or schools. Our developnent campaign continues in full swing. Your response to the idea of the Center has been generous. We know that this support will continue and grow. Please tell your friends about us and give them one of our postcards enclosed with this letter .
To Contact the Center - Call or Write Joan E. Lynacgh, PhD, RN Director Center For the Study of the History of Nursing University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing 420 Service Drive Philadelphia, PA 19104-6020
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