two copies

presented by the Civil Service Commissioners & Staff at her farewell luncheon

The Barbara Bates Gunderson Papers consist primarily of scrapbooks, photographs, correspondence, and memorabilia documenting her public, political, and governmental career, with particular emphasis on her role as a U.S. Civil Service Commissioner and political involvement with the Eisenhower administration. The bulk of the material dates from the 1950s through the 1970s and reflects Gunderson’s national political activity, campaign work, and federal service.

The collection includes extensive newspaper and magazine clippings, black and white photographs, correspondence with U.S. politicians and White House officials, and material related to Gunderson’s appointment to and service on the U.S. Civil Service Commission. Highlights include items from her tenure as National Co-Chairman of the Citizens for Eisenhower Congressional Committee, documentation from her participation in the 1974 South Dakota Republican primary for U.S. Senate, and artifacts from events such as the Federal Woman’s Award Dinner and Civil Service-related conferences.

Scrapbooks form a substantial portion of the collection and offer a detailed visual and documentary record of Gunderson’s professional activities and public recognition. Several binders and albums contain photographs, invitations, speeches, telegrams, and keepsakes. A small number of items, including framed materials, plaques, and presentation pieces, further commemorate her contributions.

Also of note are publications, such as Advance Congregational Christian Journal, Harper’s Magazine, and the Eisenhower World Affairs Institute Proceedings, as well as two paperback book jackets from novels authored by Gunderson. The collection includes memorabilia related to her advocacy for women in government and her involvement with national political platforms and commissions.

This collection provides insight into mid-20th-century political campaigns, civil service reforms, and the evolving role of women in federal government leadership. It is a significant resource for studying the intersection of gender, politics, and public service in Cold War-era America.

binder of black and white photographs, with one clipping

3 telegrams received

invitation to cocktails

including description of 1958 swearing-in ceremony

appointment to US Civil Service Commission; Diploma from the United State Civil Service Staff College; President Eisenhower's order designating appointment as Vice Chair of US Civil Service Commission; and black and white autographed photo of President Eisenhower; also two undated jackets from paperback novels authored by Barbara Bates Gunderson (oversize)

black and white photographs (cream binder)

Correspondence, speeches, newsletter, clippings, etc.

Barbara Bates Gunderson (one oversize); Group photo in a Netherland Plaza Hotel folder; poem Mt. Rushmore Needs Another face

removed from hanging picture frames

documenting conference speech, etc.

by South Dakota Governor Janklow

red with black and white photographs and clippings

largely press clippings covering Barbara Bates Gunderson's political activities and her appointment to the U.S. Civil Service Commission; also includes some black and white photographs, telegrams, White House correspondence, event programs, invitations, etc.

covering Barbara Bates Gunderson's time as a U.S. Civil Service Commissioner; largely black and white photographs, correspondence, event programs, invitations, trips, speeches, banquets, also some clippings, napkins, buttons, badges

to Rapid City, South Dakota, and Minneapolis, St.Paul, Minnesota with clippings, programs, black and white photographs and color postcard

presentation at the anniversary conference of the Women's Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor, June 2, 1960 (bound)

campaign button and brochure; clippings