Joan Giuffre papers

Collection — Box: 1-2

Identifier: 2017-016

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of the papers of Joan Guiffre, regarding the first National Women's Conference in Houston, Texas in 1977. The materials are dated between 1977 and 2000, with a bulk of the materials dated between 1977 and 1978. The materials consist of brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, programs, and other publications from the first National Women's Conference in Houston, Texas.

The subjects of the pamphlets and brochures are the National Women's Conference, women in business, women against violence against women, the status of American women, and women's rights. The publications are Proposed National Plan of Action, The Spirit of Houston: The First National Women's Conference - An Official Report to the President, the Congress, and the People of the United States, The Daily Breakthrough: Where Women are News newsletter, and articles from the Democrat and Chronicle, the Houston Chronicle, the New York Times, and the Houston Post regarding the National Women's Conference.

The collection also contains flyers, programs, and pledge cards related to the Gay Alliance, LBGTQ community organizations, and events.

Dates

Creation: 1977-2000, bulk 1977-1978
Creation: Majority of material found within 1977-1978

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Biographical Note

Joan Giuffre was a LBGTQ activist. She attended the first National Women's Conference in Houston, Texas in 1977. Giuffre was also involved in the Black Rose Production Company and the Empty Closet.

Giuffre worked at the age of ten in Rochester's Arena Theater. She toured with the last vaudeville show ever to play the United States and closed the last of the great vaudeville theaters. After moving to New York City she began to focus more on political activisim in the civil rights and peace movements. When she returned to Rochester she began to volunteer with the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley until 1979. when she founded a small theater group called "Rising" with Sue Cowell. Giuffre founded BlackRose Productions in 1987 with Susan David, and Janet Barberio.

Extent

0.3 Cubic Feet (2 clam shell legal size document boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of the papers of Joan Giuffre, regarding the first National Women's Conference in Houston, Texas in 1977. The materials are dated between 1977 and 2000, with a bulk of the materials dated between 1977 and 1978. The materials consist of brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, programs, and other publications from the first National Women's Conference in Houston, Texas. Additional materials reflect gay life and culture in Rochester, N. Y., from the late 1970s to late 1990s.

Arrangement

This collection consists of two boxes.

Custodial History

The envelope labeled "JG-1" contains paperwork that states "Items are from Susan David-They are items from Joan Giuffre's Collection and that is how the files should be identified - Joan Giuffre Collection."

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was donated by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, 100 College Avenue, Suite 100, Rochester, New York 14607 on August 16, 2016 [Acquisition number 2017.016].

Bibliography

Miller, M.L. "Women Produce Two Gay Plays." Empty Closet (Rochester, NY), October 1987.

Processing Information

This project was made possible by a grant from the Documentary Heritage Program of the New York State Archives, a program of the State Education Department.

Processing Information

This collection was kept in the original order it was received in. All metal fasteners were removed and any acidic papers were placed in their own envelopes. Additional material was received and accrued to the collection in January of 2019.

Processing Information

According to deed of gift, any duplicates or items found unsuitable to the RPL collections and not retained should be returned to the donor. Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, 100 College Ave., Suite 100, Rochester, New York 14607.