A Guide to the San Antonio Women's Celebration and Hall of Fame Records, 1984-2008

Historical Note

The San Antonio Women's Celebration and Hall of Fame was established in 1984. The organization evolved out of a Governor's Commission for Women appointed by Texas Governor Mark White in 1983. Twenty-nine women from throughout the state came together to recognize contributions made by women in Texas. The group established the Texas Women's Hall of Fame, and promoted events such as Women in Texas Today. Each city was urged to have a women's event recognizing local women and their contributions. Dr. Gloria Jo Floyd became San Antonio's representative to the Governors' Commission. A group of about thirty women, including presidents of various local women's organizations, were invited to Ruth Bower's home to discuss San Antonio's participation. The first event held was A Women in Texas Today: A Local Contribution, and included Dr. Floyd as chairperson and Dr. Linda Foster as co-chairperson. The goal of the event was to recognize fifty outstanding San Antonio women in thirteen categories. It was then decided to hold the event annually, and form The San Antonio Women's Celebration and Hall of Fame. In addition to nominating important women, the organization awards outstanding high school and college students with scholarships at a formal luncheon.

Source: History, The San Antonio Women's Celebration and Hall of Fame Records.

Scope and Content Note

The San Antonio Women's Celebration and Hall of Fame Records consist of administrative records, clippings, photographs, scrapbooks, printed materials, and a time capsule. The collection documents the everyday business of the organization from its inception in 1984 to 2008. Most of the administrative records are in the form of correspondence and reports, and are grouped by a particular committee or officer. There are two scrapbooks of photographs, clippings, and programs covering induction ceremonies and scholarship luncheons from 1984 to 1995. There are approximately one hundred and fifty 8x10 color photographs of women inducted from 1984 to 1995. A small amount of these photographs are not identified. The collection also includes a time capsule to be opened in 2025. The addition expands the years to 2008 and consists of much of the same material, including administrative records, photographs, scrapbooks, and clippings; as well as negatives and contact sheets.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions

RESTRICTED: The collection's time capsule is closed until 2025.

This collection is housed at UTSA's Main Campus and must be accessed via the John Peace Library Special Collections reading room. To request access, please use the Collections Request Form.

Usage Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the Women's Celebration and Hall of Fame Records must be obtained from the University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

San Antonio Women's Celebration and Hall of Fame Records, MS 59, University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections.

Acquisition Information

The materials in this collection were donated by the San Antonio Women's Celebration and Hall of Fame in 1997-2008 (Accessions 1997-015, 1999-001, 1999-011, 1999-018, 2000-017, 2006-014, 2008-016).

Processing Information

Prepared by Dale Sauter, June 2001

Scrolls contained in the collection's time capsule were originally rolled onto a wooden rod, but were removed. All the items in the time capsule were removed and separated from the actual capsule container.

Additions encoded by Tatina Wulzer, Collections Assistant, April 2009.

 List of Inductees, 1984-1999 

The following list excludes inductees from 1993. A new timetable regarding election of inductees and actual presentation was introduced after 1992. As a result, there are no inductees listed for 1993. Names followed by an asterisk (*) indicate that a photograph exists in the collection for that inductee.

Detailed Description of the Collection