The Catholic Worker Archives at 50

Phil Runkel at the Catholic Worker Archives.

Photo by Jim Forest

Marquette University began its archival relationship with the Catholic Worker in March 1962, with the receipt of six boxes of Dorothy Day’s papers and records of the New York community.  This was largely due to the initiative and collecting acumen of the director of libraries, William Ready. He had first broached the matter to Dorothy five years before (around the time that he was extending a similar invitation to J.R.R. Tolkien). A half-century later, the collection comprises more than 200 cubic feet, including the personal papers of Dorothy Day, Peter Maurin, and others involved in the movement; records of past and present Catholic Worker communities; photographs, audio and video recordings; and a wide variety of publications. Most records are open to research use, although materials of a confidential nature have been restricted at the donor’s request. The collection continues to be frequently consulted by students, scholars, and the general public. Catholic Workers can support Marquette’s mission by saving their records (following these guidelines) and donating them on a periodic basis.

The Archives is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inquiries, requests, and encouraging words are appreciated. Please contact:

Phil Runkel, Archivist
Raynor Memorial Libraries
1355 W. Wisconsin Avenue
P.O. Box 3141
Milwaukee, WI 53201-3141
(414) 288-5903; FAX (414) 288-6709
Phil.Runkel@marquette.edu

http://www.marquette.edu/library/archives/day.shtml