A New Day: Beyond ERA (Lincoln, Neb.), 1982 [RG4146.AM]

HISTORY NEBRASKA MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID

RG4146.AM: A New Day: Beyond ERA (Lincoln, Neb.), 1982

Papers: 1982, May-July
Lincoln, Lancaster County, Neb.: Public gathering of ERA Supporters
Size: 0.25 cu.ft.; 1 box

HISTORICAL NOTE

When it became apparent that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) would fall short of state ratification by the June 30, 1982 deadline, the National Women’s Conference Committee (NWCC) initiated plans for a day of nationwide celebration to express their renewed vigor and commitment to the principals embodied in the amendment. Choosing July 1, 1982 as “A New Day: Beyond E.R.A.,” the NWCC organized events in Washington, D.C. and encouraged local groups to organize events to coincide with the celebration in the nation’s capitol.

In Lincoln, the newly formed Women’s Legislative Caucus initiated planning on the local level. Ann Raschke and Emily Schmale became coordinators of the Lincoln event. They planned and held a rally on the north steps of the State Capitol at noon on July 1, 1982. The rally, which attracted over 300 supporters, included speeches by Lincoln Mayor Helen G. Boosalis; E.S. Burden; UNL Professor of English, June Levine; Rosemary Machacek; State Senator Shirley Marsh; Hugh Shanks; Rev. Otis Young; and Ruth Thone with performances by Nancy Marshall and Cindy Zubie. This event was considered a success by its organizers.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

This collection consists of one box of manuscript materials arranged in four series: 1) Organizational Materials; 2) Publicity Materials; 3) Minutes, Agendas, and Budgets; and 4) Miscellany. The collection relates to the planning and implementation of the July 1, 1982 “A New Day: Beyond E.R.A.” All of the materials in the collection were produced during May-July 1982.

Series 1 includes Organizational Materials provided by the National Women’s Conference Committee (NWCC). Of special interest is the New Day Local Coordinators Training Manual.

The Public Relations Materials of Series 2 consists of a brief outline of the history of the ERA in the Nebraska Legislature, newspaper clippings, and signatures of support. Two proclamations, one signed by Governor Charles Thone and the other signed by Mayor Helen Boosalis, designate July 1, 1982, as “A New Day: Beyond E.R.A.”

Series 3 includes the Minutes, Agendas, and Budget of “A New Day: Beyond ERA,” local organizers. This includes lists of local supporters and contracts.

The Miscellany of Series 4 consists of invitations, fliers, advertisements, and a certificate.

Note: See RG4146.AU for an audiocassette recording of the rally.

DESCRIPTION

Series 1 – Organizational Materials, 1982

Box 1
Folder

  1. National Women’s Conference Committee (NWCC) materials
  2. Pamphlet – “Coalition Building: The Wisconsin Model”
    New Day Local Coordinators Training Manual

Series 2 – Publicity Materials, 1982

  1. Letters requesting support, press releases, history of E.R.A. in the Nebraska Legislature
  2. Newspaper clippings
  3. Signatures of support (petition) of equal rights for women
  4. Proclamations

Series 3 – Minutes, Agendas, Budget, 1982

  1. Minutes and Agendas, May-July 1982; also includes rally list, contacts, schedules
  2. Budget

Series 4 – Miscellany

  1. Invitations, fliers, advertisements, certificate

ADDED ENTRIES:

Demonstrations — Nebraska — Lincoln
Equal rights amendments — United States
Lancaster County (Neb.) — History
Lincoln (Neb.) — History
U.S. Constitution — Amendments
Women’s rights — United States

07-13-2007 Revised TMM/tmm

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

About History Nebraska
History Nebraska was founded in 1878 as the Nebraska State Historical Society by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed History Nebraska from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director and CEO Jill Dolberg. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for History Nebraska.
Explore Nebraska
Discover the real places and people of our past at these History Nebraska sites.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of History Nebraska members.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast.

Nebraska Collections

History Nebraska's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

History Nebraska Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

Support History Nebraska
Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to History Nebraska help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of History Nebraska by donating to the History Nebraska Foundation today.

Volunteers are the heroes of History Nebraska. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.