Collection on Caroline Werner Gannett

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RITArc-0240

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Most of the materials in the Collection on Caroline Werner Gannett are awards, citations, and certificates given to Gannett in recognition of her public service. Some awards are honorary degrees from educational institutions. The collection also contains newspaper and article clippings, including her obituary, and a list of items given to the RIT Archives by the estate of Caroline Werner Gannett in February, 1979 (most of which make up this collection). Last is an academic hood and cap Gannett wore as Regent of the State of New York.

Dates

Creation: 1943-1989

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

Widely known for her community service in Rochester and New York State, Caroline Werner Gannett was the wife of Frank Gannett, founder of the Gannett Group of newspapers. Caroline Gannett was particularly active in child welfare work and education. She served on the advisory board of the Rochester School for the Deaf and was an honorary member of the Board of Trustees at Rochester Institute of Technology.

In 1947, she began service on the New York State Board of Regents, and she remained a member until she reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 in 1964. She was honored with several awards throughout her life, and earned honorary doctorates from the University of Rochester, Alfred University, Syracuse University, and Keuka College among others.

Frank and Caroline Gannett were significant benefactors to RIT, and Caroline continued her support of the Institute after her husband's death in 1957. Her gifts to RIT would eventually total more than $1 million. She established the Frank E. Gannett Memorial Fund, to be used for graphic arts facilities. In 1974, the Caroline Werner Gannett Professorship in the Humanities was created with a generous donation from Mrs. Gannett. She was also a charter member of the Nathaniel Rochester Society and a founding member of the RIT Women's Council.

Caroline Werner Gannett died in January 1979 at age 84.

Extent

2.34 Linear Feet (1 carton box, 2 Oversize boxes)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

The Collection on Caroline Werner Gannett is comprised of citations and certificates awarded to Gannett, as well as newspaper and article clippings.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Accession number(s): 06:20

Most items in the collection were gifted in February 1979 by the estate of Caroline Werner Gannett (a list from this gift is included in the collection).