This collection contains the personal papers of Maria Acosta Duran (also known as Maria Duran Lang), a garment worker, political activist, and entrepreneur. It consists of photographs and personal documents. It also includes documents from groups she was active in, such as the Alianza Hispano-Americana, the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, and the Community Service Organization. There is a small amount of correspondence and some writings. Perhaps most notable is Duran's first-hand account of the Battle of Columbus, Pancho Villa's 1916 raid into the United States, as well as its aftermath and her 1973 meeting with Luz Corral, Villa's widow. There is also some material on her businesses in Lancaster, CA, and other events in the city, such as the construction of the prison there.

Maria Acosta was born on August 15, 1906 in Mexico. Around 1914, her family moved to Columbus, New Mexico, where she would witness Pancho Villa's incursion into the United States in 1916. In 1925 she married Epimenio Duran in Los Angeles. That same year, they had a daughter, Margarita, and a year or two later, a son, Eloy. Maria filed for divorce in 1935. She worked in the garment industry and, going to night school, earned her high school diploma in 1940.

1.8 linear feet (2 boxes; 1 oversize flat box)

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Open for research.