The collection primarily documents Amsden's work with the American Red Cross and the Federal Department of Vocational Education in France between 1918 and 1919, as well as her later work at the San Diego State College of Business teaching stenography and shorthand.  The collection includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, resumes, work reports, speeches, photographs, a scrapbook, and various artifacts including patches, pins, buttons and a bracelet, and souvenir and guide books.  Highlights include detailed correspondence about Amsden's experience in war-torn France.  Of particular interest is a letter detailing Armistice Day in Paris.

Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on June 4, 1883, Georgia Amsden arrived in San Diego in 1909 as a stenography teacher at San Diego High School. The majority of the collection concerns her volunteer work in France for the American Red Cross in 1918-1919 during World War I. While in France, the Red Cross "loaned" her to the Federal Department of Vocational Education. As the only female vocational education representative, Amsden travelled to various military camps and hospitals in France. Her job was to distribute vocational propaganda, and interview wounded soldiers about potential job prospects back in the United States. She then returned to San Diego and became an associate professor of business education at San Diego State College in 1925. She retired from the College in 1957. Ms. Amsden died in 1968.

2.59 Linear Feet

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This collection is open for research.