Jane Ramsey Papers
Scope and Contents
The Jane Ramsey Papers span from 1982 to 1988 and include administrative documents, budget files, campaign literature, meeting minutes and various files relating to community outreach during the Harold Washington administration through her role as Director of Community Relations. Of note is a series of files relating to outreach to Jewish voters, the administration’s 1988 Management Plan and the Mayoral Speakers Bureau, a training program for preparing speakers from the Mayor’s Office to provide dynamic and relevant outreach to all Chicago communities.
Dates
- Creation: 1982 - 1988
Creator
- Ramsey, Jane L., 1950- (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.
Biographical / Historical
Jane Ramsey joined the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA) in 1979 and served as the organization’s executive director from 1982 to 2012. In 1986, she took a two-year leave from JCUA to serve in Mayor Harold Washington’s administration as Director of Community Relations, advising on outreach and engagement with Chicago’s communities, in addition to overseeing scheduling for Mayor Washington. Ramsey was also an active volunteer in both Washington’s 1983 and 1987 mayoral campaigns, serving as a northside Ward Coordinator and the Coordinator for Jewish Voters for Washington. In 2012, Ramsey founded Just Ventures to support organizations tackling social justice initiatives.
Ramsey serves as a lecturer and field instructor for the University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work Policy and Practice and a faculty advisor and professor at Experience Liberal Arts Colleges, headquartered in Shanghai, China. In addition to providing leadership training and public speaking, Ramsey has served on numerous boards including: CAN-TV, Chicago Coalition to Protect Public Housing, Chicago Women Take Action, the Commission on Social Action or Reform Judaism, Ethics Coalition, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, the Justice Coalition of Greater Chicago, KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation, the Leadership Greater Chicago Fellows Association, Private Industry Council (PIC), the Shalom Center, the Women’s Commission of the City of Chicago and Women in Charge.
Ramsey holds a Master’s degree from The University of Chicago, School of Social Administration and a Bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
Extent
2.5 Linear Feet (in 5 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Jane Ramsey served in Mayor Harold Washington’s cabinet as Director of Community Relations (1986-1988) and served as Executive Director of the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs. Her papers represent her work in Washington’s administration and his campaigns for Mayor, with an emphasis on Jewish voters.
Arrangement
The Jane Ramsey Papers are arranged alphabetically by topic into a single series. Original order has been maintained as much as possible.
Physical Location
Materials are stored offsite and advance notice is required for use. Please request materials at least 24-hours prior to your research visit to coordinate access.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Jane Ramsey in 2018
Subject
- Washington, Harold, 1922-1987 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Jane Ramsey Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Sarah Zimmerman, May 2022. Ingested into ArchivesSpace by Sarah Zimmerman, 2022.
- Date
- May 2022
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Unit at Harold Washington Library Center Repository
Harold Washington Library Center, 9th Floor
Chicago Public Library
400 S. State Street
Chicago IL 60605 United States
(312) 747-4875
specoll@chipublib.org