Treasures of the Schlesinger

Born in Beijing, China, in 1925, journalist Anna Chen married General Claire Lee Chennault and emigrated to the US with him in 1947. She participated in the “China Lobby,” a group in the US that opposed Communist China. Anna Chennault was a highly respected advisor on Chinese issues, a popular Washington hostess, and an influential figure in the Republican Party.

Her personal papers, which she gave to the Schlesinger Library in 2005, include personal and professional correspondence; diaries; writings and speeches; business and organizational records; and clippings and articles—all spanning the period between 1942 and 1990. Read more

New Exhibit—Women of Spirit: Religion, Voice, and Social Justice

From the Temperance Movement of the 19th century to the Vietnam War protest in the 20th century, women religious leaders have influenced and shaped the public discourse about social justice. Ironically, many have had to fight a personal battle for public voice and recognition in their own churches. The women featured in this exhibit have sacrificed much and gained much in their search for authority and power in the realm of religion. A collection of correspondence, sermons, photographs, pamphlets, and published material with topics such as suffrage, anti-poverty work, peace advocacy, and human rights will be on display in the first-floor exhibit area of the Schlesinger Library from April 3 to October 2, 2008, during library opening hours.