Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Susan A. Porter Papers, White House Central Files, 1969-1974
- Dates:
- 1969-1974
- Creators:
- Porter, Susan, appointments secretary
- Abstract:
- Extent:
- 22 linear feet, 4 linear inches, 51 boxes
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
Susan A. Porter Papers, White House Central Files, 1969-1974. Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The Susan A. Porter file group documents the activities of the First Lady's Appointments Office from 1969 through 1974. During the first administration (1969-1973) the office was primarily run by Coral F. Schmid and Stephanie A. Wilson, under the guidance of Chief of Staff, Constance C. Stuart. Susan Porter took over the office on January 22, 1973 and continued as Appointments Secretary until the President's resignation in August 1974. She continued at the White House as Mrs. Ford's Appointments Secretary until 1977. The administrative changeover in 1973 is most clearly evident in the change in the filing arrangement in the Correspondence File series, from chronological in the first term to alphabetical in the second. The Appointments Office was in charge of scheduling events for Mrs. Nixon, Julie and David Eisenhower and Tricia and Edward Cox. The office, in collaboration with First Family members, constructed the official calendars and responded to invitations from organizations and individuals desiring the presence of a member of the First Family at an event, or the use of their name as chairman or member of an organization. The most important series in the collection are Scheduling and Activities, which provides a complete record of First Family events, calendars, and affiliations; and the Subject File, which deals with topics and projects of interest to the First Lady. Also of interest is the Invitations series, which includes extensive outgoing correspondence in answer to invitations received in the First Lady's office. The Briefing Books series, while potentially of great interest, contains much classified material and is mostly restricted at this time. Further material of interest can be found in the files of Lucy A. Winchester, Gwendolyn B. King and the White House Special Files. Taped exit interviews with Constance Stuart, Penelope A. Adams, William R. Codus and notes from an interview with Coral Schmid will also prove informative. In addition, an oral history program has recently begun which will include former members of the First Lady's office. The extensive photographic, film and video collection contained in the Nixon presidential materials has much material documenting the activities of the First Lady. Also available are audio recordings of Mrs. Nixon and Constance Stuart taped by the White House Communications Agency.
- Acquisition information:
- These materials are in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration under the provisions of Title I of the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-526, 88 Stat. 1695) and implementing regulations.
About this collection guide
- Date Prepared:
- 1969-1974
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Collection is open for research. Some materials may be unavailable based upon categories of materials exempt from public release established in the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974.
- Terms of access:
-
Most government records are in the public domain; however, this series includes commercial materials, such as newspaper clippings, that may be subject to copyright restrictions. Researchers should contact the copyright holder for information.
- Preferred citation:
-
Susan A. Porter Papers, White House Central Files, 1969-1974. Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- Location of this collection:
-
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.Yorba Linda, CA 92886, US
- Contact:
- (714) 983-9120