Col. Cammermeyer Donates Collection to WeHo’s Mazer Archives

Sister Newspaper was feminist paper published out of the Crenshaw Women’s Center.

Coinciding with this month’s Veterans Day holiday, Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer, the highest ranking officer to be discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, has donated her personal papers to West Hollywood’s June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives.

The Mazer is dedicated to gathering and preserving materials by and about lesbians and feminists, including private papers, scrapbooks, artwork, manuscripts, books, records, newspapers, magazines, photographs, videotapes, flyers, papers of lesbian organizations, and even clothing, including softball uniforms from the 1940s and 50s.

“They have collected our histories so that future generations will know of the cost of serving in silence,” says Cammermeyer, who’s challenge to the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy was the basis of the movie “Serving in Silence,” starring Glenn Close and produced by Barbra Streisand.

[box_info]Mazer Fundraiser at Plummer Park Dec. 15

The Mazer will hold its annual fundraiser, co-sponsored by the City of West Hollywood, at Plummer Park on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 3-5 p.m.

Comedian Erin Foley and singer Michelle Mangione and her band will perform.

Tickets online $20 at www.mazerlesbianarchives.org; $25 at the door. Plummer Park, 1200 N. Vista St., West Hollywood.

[/box_info]Cammermeyer ultimately won reinstatement to her position in the military after a court battle, and retired after 31 years of service in 1997.

“Being the depository for our history, the June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives know the importance of documenting to educate about our unique history of service to the country in the military,” said Cammermeyer. “It is quite extraordinary to have the opportunity and a place for our history to be collected and preserved for the future.  Who would have known that someone would care?”

In donating her entire collection, Cammermeyer expressed the hope that others will follow, and support the West Hollywood archive as well: “I am humbled to be a representative of the lesbian military community to tell a little of our story.  There are so many more stories to be told and preserved which is why I hope you will join me in supporting the Archives through a donation today. As we recognize Veterans Day I salute you and your service.”

The June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives is located at 626 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood. For more info, call (310) 659-2478, or see www.mazerlesbianarchives.org, or e-mail [email protected]