Zelda Nordlinger Papers: New finding aid for Virginia feminist’s materials
Now available for researchers, the finding aid for the Zelda Nordlinger papers 
describes the recently-reprocessed collection.
Zelda Nordlinger (1932-2008) devoted much of her adult life advocating for feminist causes. A freelance writer, she composed essays and short stories for numerous publications. The majority of her work carried a message promoting feminist ideals. The collection contains examples of her writings in addition to correspondence with publishers.
Nordlinger was also a co-founder of the Richmond branch of the National Organization for Women (NOW), which primarily focused on lobbying for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and women’s equality. The collection includes correspondence, logistical information, and newsletters from her time working with NOW.
A unique aspect of the collection is Nordlinger’s extensive button collection (shown at right). The buttons carry messages supporting political causes, feminism, and reproductive rights. Prominent among them are buttons advocating for the ratification of the ERA, which continues to be deliberated in public debate today. The buttons provide a visual and tactile element to the collection, and illustrate the issues and causes central to Nordlinger’s advocacy. The collection documents the efforts of feminists in the Central Virginia and provides researchers with insight into their motivations and activities.
The Zelda Nordlinger papers (M 089) is open for research and can be found in the VCU Special Collections and Archives at James Branch Cabell Library. The finding aid is available via the VCU Libraries Special Collections and Archives Finding Aids
Blog posting authored by Dillon Thomas, Processing Archivist
Categories Political Science, Public Affairs, Special Collections and Archives, Women's Studies