Kelsey St. Press records, 1974-2006, bulk 1990-2003

Summary

Creators:

Kelsey St. Press

Abstract:

The Kelsey St. Press records including correspondence, manuscripts, corrected proofs, reviews, minutes, agendas, flyers, photographs, catalogues, artwork, financial information and audio-visual materials.

Extent:

15 cartons, 4 oversize boxes, and 3 oversize folders (24.25 linear feet)

Language:

Collection materials are in English

Background

Scope and content:

The records of the Kelsey St. Press lend insight into the administrative workings and publishing history of this important, women-centered, small Bay Area press. They contain correspondence, manuscripts, corrected proofs, reviews, minutes, agendas, flyers, photographs, catalogues, artwork, financial information and audio-visual materials. Highlights include documentation of collaborative projects with photographer Carrie Mae Weems, filmmaker and scholar Trinh T. Minh-ha and artist Kiki Smith.

The collection spans the years 1974 to 2006, with the bulk concentrating on the years 1990 to 2003. It is divided into three series: I. Production Files, II. Administrative Records and III. Correspondence.

Biographical / historical:

Kelsey St. Press was founded in 1974 by Rena Rosenwasser and Patricia Dienstfrey with the mission to address the historical marginalization of women writers by small press and mainstream publishers. Their editorial policy foregrounded women’s creativity and experiences, and sought to encourage cultural diversity. In addition, they placed an emphasis on publishing books by previously unpublished writers, and collaborative works between poets and visual artists. Many of their early works were produced as letterpress editions. Among the writers published by the press are Rosemarie Waldrop, Laura Mullen, Barbara Guest, Nellie Wong, Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge, Anne Dunn, Cecilia Vicuña and others. In 1999, they established the Frances Jaffer Book Award as a means of providing continued support to emerging poets.

Acquisition information:

The Kelsey St. Press records were purchased in 1999 and 2006.

Physical location:

Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.

Rules or conventions:

Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Location of this collection:

UC Berkeley, Bancroft Library

University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library

Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US

Contact:

510-642-6481

bancref-library@berkeley.edu

Website