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Nina Burtsfield papers (faculty - English)

Special Collections and Archives

Nina Burtsfield papers (faculty - English)

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Special Collections and Archives

Nina Burtsfield papers (faculty - English)

You are here

  • Repository: Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.
  • Title: Nina Burtsfield papers
  • Inclusive Date(s): 1916-1983
  • Bulk Date(s): 1916-1921
  • Author: Finding aid prepared by Amber Gasper and Cara Gilgenbach, February 2018
  • Creation: Finding aid encoded by Cara Gilgenbach using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2018
  • Origination: Burtsfield, Nina
  • Extent: .16 cubic feet (1 slim document case)
  • Physical Location: 11th floor
  • Finding Aid Identifier: OhKeUSC0191
  • Abstract: This collection, dating from 1916-1983, consists of a miscellany of papers relating to Nina (Williams) Burtsfield's years as a faculty member at the Kent State Normal College (now Kent State University).
  • Language(s): The records are in English

Biography of Nina Burtsfield

Nina Burtsfield (nee Williams) was born in 1882. She received her A.B. from Indiana University in 1910. After teaching at various schools in the Midwest, she became a faculty member in English at the Kent State Normal College (now Kent State University) from 1914 until 1921, serving as head of the English department for several years. She was also involved in various organizations and activities while at Kent State including the Faculty Woman's Club, theatrical programs, and The Kentonian. In the late 1950s, she donated funds to help create a scholarship in her name for Kent State English students who showed great potential to be teachers. Her husband James S. Burtsfield was also involved in education, working as a superintendent of Girard, Ohio schools. The couple resided in Kent until he died. Nina remained active in the Kent community until the last few years of her life when she moved to be near her daughter in Wisconsin. Burtsfield died at age 101 in 1983.

Scope and Content

The Nina Burtsfield papers is a small collection spanning the years 1916-1983. Content revolves heavily around Kent State Normal College. Included are letters to Burtsfield from former students, curricular materials, and programs of plays and clubs she was involved in. There is also a small number of photographs.

Statement of Arrangement

The collection is organized by material type.

Preferred Citation

Nina Burtsfield papers. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Controlled-access Headings
The following topics are found in this collection:

  • Subjects:
  • Burtsfield, Nina -- Archives
  • Kent State Normal College -- History
  • Kent State University. Department of English -- History -- 20th century
  • Kent (Ohio) -- History -- 20th century
  • Faculty Women's Club of Kent State University -- History
  • Functions:
  • English -- Study and teaching
  • Occupations:
  • Women college teachers
  • Material Types:
  • Correspondence
  • Photographs
  • Course materials
  • Programs (Publications)



Detailed Description of the Collection
  • Box 1 / Folder 1
  • Class Schedules, 1918, 1921
  • Box 1 / Folder 2
  • Clippings, 1978, 1983
  • Box 1 / Folder 3
  • Correspondence to Burtsfield, 1916-1957, undated
  • Box 1 / Folder 4
  • Curricular Materials, undated
  • Box 1 / Folder 5
  • Faculty Directory, undated
  • Box 1 / Folder 6
  • Faculty Woman's Club Yearbook, 1917-1918
  • Box 1 / Folder 7
  • Photographs, undated
  • Scope and Content
  • Three photographs including one of Nina (Williams) Burtsfield, taken between 1914 and 1921; a photo of three of her "bright students" (Mona Fletcher; Marguerite Culp; Ruth A. Damon); and a group photo of faculty members in front of Merrill Hall.
  • Box 1 / Folder 8
  • Programs, 1918, 1965, undated
  • Scope and Content
  • Programs from theatrical events, commencement, and Honors Day.