Gwen Ifill Papers (MS 260), 1970-2016

Series I includes materials spanning from 1977 through 2016. The materials on Ifill’s book, The Breakthrough, include research, copies of articles cited in footnotes, and chapter, introduction, and conclusion drafts. This series also includes information relating to the HistoryMakers, an organization devoted to serving and sharing the life stories of African Americans and creating a more inclusive understanding of American history, and the interviews that Ifill conducted at HistoryMakers events. Though Ifill hosted both the 2004 and 2008 vice-presidential debate, the materials in this series are limited to only the 2008 debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden.

Series II consists of publications, events, and awards associated with Gwen Ifill. The series contains materials spanning from 1970 through 2024, and includes many of the programs for events honoring Ifill and her journalistic achievements, honorary degrees, press passes to political rallies and events, and high school and college publications.

Series III consists of correspondence, the majority of which was written to Gwen Ifill throughout her career. A relatively small series, these materials primarily consist of well wishes—most notably from President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama.

Series IV consists of approximately 700 photographs of Gwen Ifill throughout her academic and journalistic career. Included are photographs of Ifill at various HistoryMaker events, a photograph from Hilary and Chelsea Clinton’s trip to Harare and Victoria Falls (March 21-24, 1997), and a photograph of Ifill receiving her 1977 Simmons College diploma from College President William Holmes.

Series VI includes clothes worn by Gwen Ifill. The bulk of this series contains academic hoods worn by Gwen Ifill while receiving honorary degrees from colleges and universities across the country. This series also includes a Simmons College sweatshirt and blazers that Ifill wore to important events, including HistoryMakers “An Evening with Gwen Ifill.”

Series VII includes memorabilia associated with Gwen Ifill. This series is primarily comprised of awards, trophies, and plaques awarded to Ifill throughout her career.