The Archives just received a copy of Sex Variant Woman: The Life of Jeanette Howard Foster, by Joanne Passet. Foster taught library science at the Drexel Institute from 1937-1948 and is best known for her 1956 book, Sex variant women in literature; a historical and quantitative survey. This biography is, according to author Passet, "a study of lesbian struggle, empowerment and triumph amid the persistent hostilities of twentieth-century America." You can read it at the University Archives, on the lower level of Hagerty Library.

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The Drexel University Archives seeks to hire a Digital Archives Technician. This position will support the University Archivist in creating and maintaining the Archives' Digital Collections by arranging and describing collections, creating EAD finding aids and digitizing institutional archives and special collections materials.

To see a full job description or to apply for this job, please visit www.drexeljobs.com.

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by Katelyn Wolfrom

Attention, students of Art, Japanese Studies and World History! Drexel's Japanese art book collection now ready for viewing in the Drexel University Archives!

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by Katelyn Wolfrom

On April 19, 2008, the Drexel University men’s crew team came in 1st place at the 51st annual Kerr Cup, a regatta with special ties to Drexel, as it is named in honor of the founder of the university’s crew team, Dr. Thomas Kerr. To commemorate his efforts and the fiftieth anniversary of the team he founded, the Drexel University archives takes a look back at Dr. Thomas Kerr.

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by Katelyn Wolfrom

Despite a predominant focus on science and industry, Drexel has long had a vibrant writer’s community. To celebrate Drexel's Week of Writing, the Drexel University Archives takes a look at the history of Maya, Drexel’s long-running literary magazine.

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by Robin Elliot

In the early twentieth century Drexel participated in training for nurses. At that time nursing was primarily a female profession. There were Nurses Training Schools throughout the country, including Philadelphia. Drexel began offering new scientific classes for nurses which would supplement their regular training. Drexel did not intend to simply offer scientific courses; instead they wanted to help the student be an all around better nurse. The curriculum would therefore include English Language and Literature to ensure proper writing skills. They would also take classes in Vocal Expression. Students in the nursing program would have access to public lectures and the library from Drexel. It is unclear if this program was implemented at Drexel at this time.

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by Robin Elliot

The Sarah van Rensselaer Dormitory was the home of female students at Drexel for many decades. In promotional pamphlets Drexel accentuated the educational and social aspects of college life for female students. There were three main tracks for undergraduate female students, Business Administration, Home Economics and Engineering. The Women’s Student Government Association was a crucial part of student life because of its direct connection to dormitory life. Students were required to live in the dorms if they did not have parents or an aunt or uncle who could house them while at Drexel.
Dorm rooms were similar to dorm rooms today. However more furniture was provided by Drexel than is usual for college students today. Drexel students had beds, mattresses, lamps, rugs, glass curtains and other furniture in their rooms when they arrived. Students were told to bring towels, sheets, and blankets, similar to today’s students. The rooms had hot and cold running water, but bathrooms and showers were available on each hall.

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