The current social and political landscape offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of journalists' papers. The Newberry Library houses the papers of many journalists and critics, such as those of Ann Barzel, Fanny Butcher, Claudia Cassidy, Ben Hecht, Bill Mullen, Mike Royko, Eunice Tietjens, and Lily Pagratis Venson, to name a few. Additionally the library houses the records of the Chicago Reader. All these collections provide insight into historical and cultural moments that otherwise might be lost. More importantly, these collections show researchers and patrons what historical and cultural discourses occurred in the not so distant past, and thus, how those may connect to our present moment. The archives of journalists', specifically those of Lily Pagratis Venson, not only expand the larger historiography, but our own understanding of local, Chicago history.
Event—Public Programming