The Rebecca Henderson papers date from approximately 1900 to 2019 and measure 10.25 linear feet (25 boxes). The papers are arranged in eight series: Biographical, Education, Quakerism, Landscape architecture, Bookbinding, Creative writing, Quinn Dilkes, and Photographs.

The Biographical series (1943-2019) documents Henderson’s extensive correspondence and journals. This includes both original materials and transcribed excerpts; the excerpts are occasionally organized around a specific theme and titled (e.g., “Coming Out as a Lesbian” and “The Bookbinding Chronicles”). Much of the correspondence is letters Henderson wrote to her parents and her sister. The series also includes documentation of Henderson’s time working as a camp counselor at Camp Widjiwagan in Ely, Minnesota, her sister Matilda Hansen’s life and political career, Henderson’s 1985 civil disobedience in protest of U.S. military activities in Central America, timelines of her life, and contextual documentation from Pelican Lee, Henderson’s wife and donor of the collection.

The Education series (1948-1968) is comprised of materials from Henderson’s grade school education through college, including Scattergood Friends School, Earlham College, and Iowa State University. It also documents her participation in 4-H and field hockey.

The Quakerism series (approximately 1900s-2010s) includes Henderson family genealogical files, materials related to the Scattergood Friends School, Henderson’s involvement with the Friends World Committee for Consultation, obituaries and eulogies for friends and relatives in the Iowa Quaker community, and information about the Paullina Friends Meeting in particular. Researchers may be interested in the Bob Michener file. Michener was the husband of Henderson’s sister, Matilda. Michener was a conscientious objector who served time in prison for his refusal to register for the Selective Service during the Korean War. Materials include a summary of an interview of Michener by his grandson Benjamin James Michener, two of Michener’s writings (“A Matter of Conscience” and “A Prison Witness, 1949-1953”), and his obituary. Also included are two sub-series on Rebecca and Matilda’s research and writings, which document the history of Iowa Quakers of Norwegian origin.

The Landscape architecture series (1965-1980) documents Henderson’s work for Robinson and Parnham, Stanley Consultants, and her own Henderson Consulting Company. It also includes materials related to her writing projects, such as “Ecosystem Analysis and Engineering” and “A Landscape Ethic.”

The Bookbinding series (1970-2009) features materials related to Henderson’s bookbinding career, in particular her business Prairie Fox Publications. The series includes promotional material for the business, financial documents, orders and correspondence, and research and development files on boxes and other enclosures that Henderson made. There is a sub-series devoted to her 1984 technical paper, "Boxes to Protect Books: The Folding Box with Batwing Corners.”

The Creative writing series (1955-1984) consists of Henderson’s short prose and poetry, including writings she made under the pen name Jennifer LaBek.

The Quinn Dilkes series (1983-2009) comprises poetry, essays, and memoirs written by Quinn Dilkes, Henderson’s friend and former partner. A draft of Dilkes’ memoir includes feedback from Henderson and her wife, Pelican Lee.

The Photographs series (approximately 1920s-1980s) completes the collection. Formats include negatives, slides, and prints. The photographs document Scattergood Friends School, Quaker gatherings, Camp Widjiwagan, the Henderson family, extended family reunions, Henderson’s travels, her experience playing field hockey, and her work in landscape architecture and bookbinding.

The collection does not include materials related to Henderson’s life in New Mexico.