Author: Ella Tambussi Grasso

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The papers of Ella Grasso (1919-1981), span the years 1919-1981, with the bulk dating from 1970-1974, and primarily document her work as a member of the United States Congress. The collection, organized in nine series, consists mainly of Grasso's correspondence with constituents reflecting her views on topics such as the Vietnamese Conflict, veteran affairs, President Richard Nixon's impeachment, and abortion. The papers are organized into the following series: Legislative Files; Correspondence; Connecticut State Files; Personnel Files; Biographical Information; Writings; Campaign Material; Articles, Sketches and Clippings; and Photographs. The Legislative Files are comprised of correspondence, original copies of House of Representative legislative bills and all Grasso's floor statements for the 92nd and 93rd sessions of Congress as printed in the House Record. The files are arranged alphabetically into subject files on topics such as agriculture, banking and currency, budget, civil rights, civil service, education, the economy, energy, the environment, foreign affairs, health, labor issues, the military, the post office, Social Security, taxes, transportation, and veterans. The Connecticut State Files contain letters, informational packets and publications sent to Grasso by companies, organizations and agencies in Connecticut on subjects that did not fall within her jurisdiction as a U.S. Representative. The Personnel files contain information about her office staff. Of note is the correspondence between Grasso and Mount Holyoke College Politics professor Victoria Schuck regarding the Mount Holyoke interns at the Washington Internship Program. The Writings series consists of speeches and articles that reveal Grasso's views on the contemporary political situation, women in politics, and the importance of being politically active. The Articles, Sketches and Clippings series includes contemporary articles about her activities as a politician, as well as articles about women in politics, published after Grasso was elected Governor of Connecticut in 1974. This series also includes publications on her husband Thomas Grasso. The Campaign Material series includes posters, flyers, and bumper stickers from her election campaigns. The Biographical Materials consist of the personal files from her office records such as insurance and private membership materials, as well as her diplomas, birth certificate and other related materials. Rounding out the collection is the Photographs series which includes formal and informal photographs of Grasso while at Mount Holyoke College and at the Mount Holyoke Commencement Ceremony in 1975.