Photographs, negatives, correspondence, awards, clippings, audiocassettes, a videocassette, buttons, a banner, and memorabilia, circa 1940-2003, from lesbian activist, community organizer and social worker, Ester F. Bentley. The collection documents Bentley's professional career in community organizing in Kentucky and California, often working with disabled children. In particular, this collection also includes hundreds of photographs of Bentley and her friends and family throughout Bentley's life.

Ester Frances Bentley was born on October 24, 1915, in Louisville, Kentucky. She attended Spalding College where she played basketball and served as President of her senior class. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in education at Spalding College in 1941. She went on to be the first female chemist in paint research for the Jones-Dabney company. During the war years, Bentley served as a director of the USO in programs aiding war workers and their families.

2.5 Linear Feet 1 carton, 1 binder box, 2 flat cartons, 1 banner, and 1 map case drawer.

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.