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Tova Vitiello papers

 Collection
Identifier: IWA1301

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Scope and Contents

The Tova Vitiello papers date from 1967 to 2021 and measure 23 linear inches in two boxes. The papers are arranged in three series: Activism, Unitarian Universalism, and Artifacts.

The Activism series (1967-2021) contains photos, papers, and newspaper clippings that reflect Vitiello’s involvement with the Women’s Resource and Action Center, and more specifically, the Women Against Racism committee. Papers include grant proposals, flyers, and workshop notes. Photos include Vitiello at various protests and rallies, and the Women’s Resource and Action Center softball team. This series also contains some of Vitiello’s poetry.

The Unitarian Universalism series (1975-2014) mainly consists of Interweave Connect newsletters. Interweave Continental was an affiliate of the Unitarian Universalist Association that sought to end oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Vitiello was the editor of their newsletter from 2012 to 2014. There are also photos of a stage production put on by the church.

The Artifacts series (1979-2017) consists entirely of t-shirts of Vitiello’s. They are all from activist events she took part in, mainly through the Women’s Resource and Action Center and the Women Against Racism committee.

Dates

  • Creation: 1967 - 2021

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

The papers are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright held by the donor has been transferred to the University of Iowa/has been retained by the donor.

Biographical / Historical

Tova Vitiello was born in New Jersey in 1944. She moved to Iowa City, Iowa to attend graduate school and eventually became a therapist and a psychology professor at Kirkwood Community College. Vitiello was engaged as an activist in many social causes in Iowa City. The collection contains much of her work with the Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC) and the Women Against Racism committee, including photos and papers relating to her time with the WRAC softball team, “The Wrackle Ten.” In addition to this work, she co-founded the Lesbian Alliance, an Iowa City organization formed in 1974 at the “Women Here and Now Conference,” and she was an active member of New Jewish Agenda, a national organization of progressive Jewish voices active from 1980 to 1992. Vitiello was also active in the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City. She served as a board member of Interweave Continental, an affiliate of the church that fought for LGBTQ+ rights. She was an editor and writer for the affiliate group’s newsletter, Interweave Connect, from 2012 to 2014.

Extent

23 linear inches

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Former psychology professor, active in the Unitarian Universalist church, and Jewish, feminist, LGBTQ+, anti-racist activist in Iowa City.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The papers (donor no. 1663) were donated by Tova Vitiello in 2021, 2022.

Author
Kelly Kemp
Date
2024
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Iowa Women's Archives Repository

Contact:
100 Main Library
University of Iowa Libraries
Iowa City IA 52242 IaU
319-335-5068
319-335-5900 (Fax)