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Raitt (Helen) Papers
SMC 0019
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla 92093-0175
Title: Helen Raitt Papers
Creator:
Raitt, Helen
Identifier/Call Number: SMC 0019
Physical Description:
7.2 Linear feet
(16 archives boxes, 3 card file boxes, and 2 map case folders)
Date (inclusive): 1927-1985
Abstract: Papers of Helen Raitt (1905-1976), author, publisher, and wife of oceanographer Russell W. Raitt. The collection contains
correspondence, research materials, writings, photographs, and audiocassettes.
Languages:
English
.
Scope and Content of Collection
Papers of Helen Raitt (1905-1976), author, publisher, and spouse of SIO oceanographer Russell W. Raitt. The collection documents
her travels and activities, including correspondence, research materials, writings, photographs, and audiocassettes. Of particular
interest are materials related to Tonga and the Tofua Press, as well as documentation from the Capricorn Expedition (1952-1953).
The collection does not contain biographical information concerning Helen Raitt's early life. Additional correspondence for
the years 1946-1969, including correspondence and interview notes she prepared for her book
Scripps Institution of Oceanography: First Fifty Years can be found in the SIO Biographical Files (SAC 5).
Arranged in eight series: 1) BIOGRAPHICAL, 2) CORRESPONDENCE, 3) TONGA, 4) SUBJECT FILES, 5) WRITINGS, 6) PHOTOGRAPHS, 7)
AUDIOCASSETTES, and 8) WORKS BY OTHERS.
Helen Hill Raitt (1905-1976) was born in Los Angeles, California on March 28, 1905. Helen graduated from Pomona College in
1927. In 1935, she married Russell W. Raitt, whom she had known since high school. When Russell accepted a position working
for the University of California Division of War Research (UCDWR) in 1942, the family moved to La Jolla. During this time,
Helen volunteered at the Red Cross and became chair of the Arts and Crafts Section. In 1948, Russell Raitt became a professor
at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Helen took a robust role in in university activities, including: working with
Scripps Estates Associates (SEA), founding the UC San Diego women's organization the Oceanids, establishing the
Bear Facts newsletter along with Carol Schultz, and helping to establish the Friends of the UC San Diego Library.
Helen Raitt is best known for her work as an author and publisher, as well as for her participation in the Capricorn Expedition
(1952-1953). During the Capricorn Expedition Helen kept logs, stood watch, typed reports, and took dictation for Roger Revelle.
After returning home, she wrote about this experience in her book,
Exploring the Deep Pacific. In 1967 Helen Raitt and Beatrice Moulton wrote
Scripps Institution of Oceanography: First Fifty Years. Over the years Helen developed an interest in the culture and history of Tonga. During her various trips, she noted the
lack of access to books documenting Tongan culture. By 1973, Helen Raitt founded Tofua Press to preserve Tongan history and
increase availability of texts.
Helen Hill Raitt passed away on March 26, 1976.
For more information about Helen Raitt, please see: http://library.ucsd.edu/dc/object/bb0957213m/_1.pdf
Helen Raitt Papers. SMC 19. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
Acquired 1982-1992
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. ALLOW ONE WEEK FOR RETRIEVAL OF MATERIALS.
Publication rights are held by the creator of the collection.
Selected photographs from this collection have been digitized and can be viewed by searching the term "Helen Raitt papers"
on the UC San Diego Digital Collections website.
Original sound recordings are restricted. Listening copies may be available for researchers.
Friends of the UCSD Library records. RSS 1033. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
Russell W. Raitt Papers. SMC 35. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
UC San Diego. Scripps Institution of Oceanography. SIO Biographical Files. SAC 5. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Tonga
Raitt, Helen -- Archives
Capricorn Expedition (1952-1953)
Tofua Press