Satir (Virginia) Collection, 1916-1993 (bulk 1970s-1980s), bulk 1970-1989

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Summary

Title:
Virginia Satir collection
Dates:
1916-1993 (bulk 1970s-1980s), bulk 1970-1989
Creators:
Satir, Virginia
Abstract:
Extensive collection of personal and professional manuscript materials, organizational records, and audiovisual materials from noted family therapist Virginia Satir.
Extent:
100 Linear Feet (143 document boxes, 4 cartons, 2 oversize boxes, 1 half document box, 2 oversize posters, approximately 565 audiocassettes, 249 open reel audiotapes, 894 videotapes)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], Virginia Satir collection, HPA Mss 45. Department of Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.

Background

Scope and content:

This extensive collection contains personal and professional manuscript materials, organizational records, and audiovisual materials from noted family therapist Virginia Satir.

Biographical / historical:

Virginia Satir (26 June 1916 - 10 Sept. 1988) was best known as an innovator in the field of family therapy, to which she applied a humanistic approach. Satir began her career as a teacher, counselor, and principal in the Illinois public school system, receiving her masters degree in social services administration in 1948. In 1959 she moved her private practice to California and co-founded the Mental Research Institute. Her professional experience includes leading family therapy workshops, seminars and workshops for institutions, and work with the Avanta Network, which she founded in 1977 as an outlet for the training of other professionals.

The following websites have additional information about Virginia Satir:

Acquisition information:
Donated by Virginia Satir, circa 1987 and by the Avanta Network, 1991; additions 1994.
Arrangement:

The Collection contains the following series:

  • Series 1: Works by Satir.
  • Series 2: Works about Satir.
  • Series 3: Biographical/Personal
  • Series 4: Correspondence
  • Series 5: Organizational Files
  • Series 6: Programs
  • Series 7. Resources
  • Series 8. Photographs
  • Series 9. Posters
  • Series 10. Audio Visual Materials

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Processed by David C. Gartrell; updated by Holly Snyder, 2026.
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-10-08 11:08:04 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is stored off-site; advance notice required for retrieval.

Terms of access:

Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Department of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of Item], Virginia Satir collection, HPA Mss 45. Department of Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California, Santa Barbara.

Location of this collection:
UC Santa Barbara Library
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9010, US