Deaf Women of Rochester collection

Title

Deaf Women of Rochester collection

Inclusive Date(s)

1973-2012

Abstract

The Deaf Women of Rochester collection contains administrative and governance documents, meeting minutes, correspondence, publications, newsletters, conference materials, event fundraising, photographic material, and sports documentation.

Extent

13.76 Linear feet (24 Document boxes, 3 File boxes)

Location

C.S. Mid-Range, Shelves 215-219, 221

Repository

RIT Archive Collections
RIT Libraries
Wallace Center
90 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York, 14623
(585) 475-2557
raswml@rit.edu

Language

English

In 1981, the Mental Health Chapter of the Health Association of Rochester began a support group called Deaf Women of Rochester (DWR). A series of workshops were held for area deaf women "...who shared common problems that are manifested not only by femaleness, but also by deafness." Within five years, DWR was fully independent, raising money through workshops and fundraisers.

In 1990, a steering committee was formed, bylaws were written, and DWR became an official organization under the Empire State Association of the Deaf. By the end of the 1990s, DWR incorporated and held the first Deaf Women United National Conference in Rochester. DWR is still active today and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2006.

Adapted from the Deaf Women of Rochester website.

The Deaf Women of Rochester collection includes comprehensive records documenting the activities of the groups since its formation in 1981. Records include administrative and governance documents, meeting minutes, correspondence, publications, newsletters, conference materials, event fundraising, and a DWR Sapphires softball team uniform. Also included are photographs, slides, news clippings. Last, a DVD in the RIT Visual History Series, Deaf Women of Rochester with Vicki Hurwitz and Sally Taylor rounds out the collection.

Added a NTID dvd titled "Deaf Women of Rochester" dated 1/16/2012.

Collection materials are arranged by material type.

In addition to this finding aid, a partial inventory is available below. For more information, please contact the RIT Archive Collections.

Deaf Women of Rochester collection

Corporate Name(s)

• Deaf Women of Rochester

Subject(s)

• Deaf -- United States
• Deaf women
• Deaf women -- Societies and clubs -- New York (State) -- Rochester
• Women -- Societies and clubs -- New York (State) -- Rochester

Preferred Citation

Deaf Women of Rochester collection, RIT/NTID Deaf Studies Archive

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Collection ID

RITDSA.0006

Accession Information

Accession number(s): 07:20, 07:66, 10:12, 10:73, 11:03, 11:39, 13:049

Source of Acquisition

The Deaf Women of Rochester collection is comprised of multiple accessions. The majority of collection materials were donated by Vicky Hurwitz (Director of Outreach Center at the Rochester School for the Deaf) and Sally Taylor (NTID faculty member). Other materials were donated by Kathleen Szczepanek (Deaf Women of Rochester), Joan Naturale (RIT librarian), and Becky Simmons (RIT Archivist).

Processing Information

Finding aid created by Amy Vilz in August 2011. Collection inventory created by Sharon Reisinger in 2009.

Revision Description

 Lisa Witt linked 13:049  10 July 2013

Deaf Studies Archive

Deaf Rochester News collection