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Jane Ramsey Papers

 Collection
Identifier: spe-h00175

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

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

Related Materials

  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Mayoral Campaign Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Pre-Mayoral Photograph Collection
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Illinois State Representative Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Illinois State Senatorial Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, U.S. Congressional Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Asian American Advisory Committee Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Central Files Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, City Council Proceedings Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Community Services Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Development Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Finance and Administration Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Infrastructure Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Legislative Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Press Office Photographs
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Press Office Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Public Safety/Regulatory Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Real Estate Review Committee Records
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Videocassette Collection
  • Harold Washington Archives and Collections, Political Education Project Records
  • Eugene Sawyer Mayoral Records
  • Steve Askin Papers
  • Justice Graphics, Inc. Collection

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

Contact:
Harold Washington Library Center, 9th Floor
Chicago Public Library
400 S. State Street
Chicago IL 60605 United States
(312) 747-4875