Harriet Cooper Alpern Papers

Collection

Identifier: UP000762

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The papers of Ms. Alpern reflect her work with NOW and the women's movement, and to a lesser extent, the use of mass media as an educational tool.

Imp ortant subjects covered in the collection are: Abortion, 1972-1981 Media, 1969-1981 Affirmative Action, 1975-1977 Sexism in Advertising, 1972-1977 Equal Rights Amendment, 1970-1981 Women, 1964-1981

Among the important correspondents are: Michigan Women's Equality Action League NOW

Series Description: Series I, Women's Movement, 1964-1980: Brochures, Clippings, Pamphlets, and other materials relating to the Women's Movement and many specific issues of interest to the Woman's Movement.

Series II, Periodicals and Newsletters, 1972-1983: Periodicals and Newsletters collected by Ms. Alpern regarding the Women's Movement.

Dates

1964 - 1983

Creator

Alpern, Harriet Cooper (Person)

Language of Materials

Material entirely in English.

Access

Collection is open for research.

Use

Refer to the Walter P. Reuther Library Rules for Use of Archival Materials. Restrictions: Researchers may encounter records of a sensitive nature – personnel files, case records and those involving investigations, legal and other private matters. Privacy laws and restrictions imposed by the Library prohibit the use of names and other personal information which might identify an individual, except with written permission from the Director and/or the donor.

History

Ms. Alpern's involvement with the women's movement began in 1969 with the founding of Michigan's first National Organization of Women (NOW) chapter in Detroit. From 1970 to 1973 she served as Vice President of Public Relations for the Detroit NOW chapter and actively participated in NOW programs and other feminist activities. From 1971 to 1975 Ms. Alpern was a member of the Women's Advisory to TV station WXYZ, after the station had signed a contract with NOW to upgrade women at the station who occupied technical, sales, and managerial positions. Also, during 1975 she was a member of the Michigan Media Project which was an offshoot of WXYZ's Women's Advisory.

In addition to her work with NOW, in 1978 Ms. Alpern formed a company, "Program Resources" to produce media material for the women's movement and other educational purposes. She chaired an Equal Rights Amendment fundraiser in 1982, and was an active member of a planning committee dedicated to educating women activists, politicians, and community activists who wished to use mass media effectively.

Extent

6 Linear Feet ((12 MB), 1 scrapbook)

Additional Description

Abstract

Harriet Cooper Alpern served as Vice President of Public Relations for the Detroit chapter of NOW (National Organization of Women) from 1970 to 1973 and was a member of the Women's Advisory to TV station WXYZ from 1971 to 1975. In 1978 Ms. Alpern formed the company, Program Resources to produce media material for the women's movement and other educational purposes. The papers of Ms. Alpern reflect her work with NOW and the women's movement, and to a lesser extent, the use of mass media as an educational tool.

Arrangement

Arranged in 2] series – Series 1 (Boxes 1-9), and Series 2 (Boxes 10-12). Folders are arranged alphabetically and, chronologically therein.

Acquisition

The papers of Harriet Cooper Alpern were placed in the Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs between April of 1976 and August of 1983 by Harriet Alpern.

Transfers

Several runs of serials and numerous books relating to the women's issue, and to a lesser degree, the mass media are available in the Archives Library.