Virginia Handley Papers 1947-2015

Summary
Contents
Names/subjects
Using these materials
Please note that some historical materials may contain harmful content and/or descriptions. Learn how we’re addressing it.
Size
90 linear feet (166 boxes, 1 carton, 1 flatfolder, 1 legalbox, 3 slideboxes)
Call number
MC 00545
Access to materials

Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Copies of digital files may be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request.

The Virginia Handley Papers consist of a wide range of documents and publications, as well as a few audio-visual materials and artifacts, pertaining to animal advocacy, animal rights organizations and animal welfare issues. The collection includes materials relating to animal protection legislation, especially in California; numerous animal rights organizations; and activist issues relevant to specific animal groups. Many of the items pertain to issues in California, where Handley lobbied for animal rights in Sacramento beginning in the 1970s.

Virginia Handley (1946-2014) was a prominent animal advocate and animal rights activist in California, and was credited as one of the best animal activists in the state. In 1970, she and her mother Grace helped co-found Animal Switchboard, an information hotline on animal-related problems located in San Francisco. Beginning in the 1970s, Handley lobbied for animal protection laws in California and is credited for many of the state's present laws. She also coordinated the Fund for Animals based in San Francisco. When the Fund merged with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in 2005, she continued as California lobbyist for HSUS. In 1980, Handley founded PawPAC, California's Political Action Committee for Animals for which she served on its board until her death.

Biographical/historical note

Virginia Handley (1946-2014) was a prominent animal advocate and animal rights activist in California, and was credited as one of the best animal activists in the state. In 1970, she and her mother Grace helped co-found Animal Switchboard, an information hotline on animal-related problems located in San Francisco. Beginning in the 1970s, Handley lobbied for animal protection laws in California and is credited for many of the state's present laws. She also coordinated the Fund for Animals based in San Francisco. When the Fund merged with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in 2005, she continued as California lobbyist for HSUS. In 1980, Handley founded PawPAC, California's Political Action Committee for Animals for which she served on its board until her death.

Scope/content

The Virginia Handley Papers consist of a wide range of documents and publications, as well as a few audio-visual materials and artifacts, pertaining to animal advocacy, animal rights organizations and animal welfare issues. The collection includes materials relating to animal protection legislation, especially in California; numerous animal rights organizations; and activist issues relevant to specific animal groups. Many of the items pertain to issues in California, where Handley lobbied for animal rights in Sacramento beginning in the 1970s.

Arrangement

The collection is organized into seven principal series: 1. Animals, 2. Organization, 3. Issues, 4. Proceedings and Publications, 5. Audio-Visual Materials, 6. Artifacts/Memorabilia, 7. Poetry/Literature on Animals.

Use of these materials

The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.

The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Virginia Handley Papers, MC 00545, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC

Source of acquisition

Gift of Joe Wargo, 2015 (Accession 2015.0028)

Processing information

Processed by: Gwynn Thayer and Jessica Serrao, November 2015; machine-readable finding aid created by: Gwynn Thayer and Jessica Serrao, November 2015.

Please note that some historical materials may contain harmful content and/or descriptions. Learn how we’re addressing it.
Please note that some historical materials may contain harmful content and/or descriptions. Learn how we’re addressing it.

Access to the collection

Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Copies of digital files may be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request.

For more information contact us via mail, phone, or our web form.

Mailing address:
Special Collections Research Center
Box 7111
Raleigh, NC, 27695-7111

Phone: (919) 515-2273

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Virginia Handley Papers, MC 00545, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC

Use of these materials

The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.

The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.