Lynn Woolsey Congressional papers
Finding aid created by Sonoma State University Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Sonoma State University Library
2024
Special Collections
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, California 94928
(707) 664-4152
specialcollections@sonoma.edu
http://library.sonoma.edu/specialcollections/
Title: Lynn Woolsey Congressional papers
Dates: 1993-2013
Collection Number: Consult repository
Creator/Collector:
Woolsey, Lynn C.
Extent: One hundred and seventy linear feet, 116 boxes
Repository:
Sonoma State University Library
Rohnert Park, California 94928
Abstract: Lynn Woolsey, a progressive Democrat, served as representative to the United States Congress for California's 6th congressional
district. The collection is comprised of legislative research, introduced and passed bills, speeches, manuscripts, awards,
and visual media documenting her years of service to the counties of Sonoma and Marin. Lynn Woolsey championed causes related
to the environment, women, children, diversity, and peace. She served on the Committee on Education and the Workforce; the
Committee on Science, Space and Technology; and the Foreign Affairs Committee. She chaired the Workforce Protection Subcommittee,
co-chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus and served on many other caucuses and informal committees. Her active opposition
to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may be her greatest legacy. The papers offer a wealth of research materials to students,
faculty, and the community and present a window into the workings of Congress and the role of elected representatives.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research by appointment
The library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claimants of literary
property.
[Identification of item]. Lynn Woolsey Congressional papers. Collection Number: Consult repository. Sonoma State University
Library
Biography/Administrative History
In 2013, the Honorable Lynn C. Woolsey, retired representative for California's Sixth Congressional District, donated her
official papers to the Sonoma State University Library.
During her tenure in the House of Representatives (1993–2013), Lynn Woolsey championed causes related to the environment,
women, children, diversity, education, workers' rights, civil rights, and world peace.
Lynn C. Woolsey was born to John and Lynn Robinson in Seattle, Washington in 1937. She spent much of her adolescence living
in Seattle, Washington. After receiving her high school diploma, Ms. Woolsey attended the University of Washington (1955-1957).
She left school to marry Terry J. Critchett and the couple settled in Northern California in 1958. They had three children
before the marriage ended in 1967. Subsequently, Ms. Woolsey found a secretarial job at Harris Digital Telephone Systems,
a local high tech company but was forced to accept welfare assistance to support herself and her children. She worked her
way up the company ladder to become a human resources manager and, in 1980, she founded Woolsey Personnel Services. Lynn Woolsey
married David C. Woolsey in 1971 and give birth to her fourth child. When the marriage ended, Lynn Woolsey returned to higher
education, attending the University of San Francisco, where she received her Bachelor of Science in human resources and organizational
behavior.
Lynn Woolsey first entered politics in 1984 by winning a seat on the city council of Petaluma, in Sonoma County. She would
serve on Petaluma’s city council until 1992, holding the post of vice mayor for her last year. In 1992, she was elected to
the House of Representatives, filling five-term incumbent Representative Barbara Boxer’s seat. Lynn Woolsey represented California’s
sixth district, which consists of Marin and Sonoma counties. At the end of the 112th Congress, in 2013, Lynn Woolsey retired.
Scope and Content of Collection
The papers include legislative research, introduced and passed bills, speeches, manuscripts, awards, and visual media documenting
years of committed service to Sonoma and Marin counties. The materials are organized in a total of 116 boxes.
Woolsey, Lynn C., 1937-.
House of Representatives (U.S.)
United States Congress.
Sonoma County (Calif.)
Washington (D.C.)
Marin County (Calif.)
- Lynn Woolsey Congressional Papers District Office Inventory
- Lynn Woolsey Congressional Papers Washington Office Inventory