Description
This collection contains materials related to Harlan Hahn (1939-2008), his family, his battle with polio in the 1940s,
and his professional career focusing mostly on society’s view of disabilities. Hahn was a professor of political
science, psychiatry, and behavioral science at the University of Southern California. The collection concentrates
on his writings and research on American and urban politics, and health and disability politics and policy. Included
in the collection are published books, manuscripts, research notes and materials, correspondence, articles, newspaper
clippings, pamphlets, syllabi, photographs, scrapbooks, yearbooks, bills, small physical objects, and digital
materials.
Background
Harlan Hahn was a professor of political science, psychiatry and behavioral science, as well as a prolific
author writing books and articles on American and urban politics, and disability issues and rights.
Harlan was born on July 9th, 1939 in Osage, Iowa to Ada Tollefson Hahn a teacher, and Harold E. Hahn a
teacher and insurance representative. At the age of six Harlan was stricken with paralytic polio. In and out
of hospitals for several years he was left without the full use of his legs and was dependent on braces, crutches,
or a wheel chair for the rest of his life.
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives
and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical
materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.