Ruth Irma Walter Helmuth (1918–1997) was an American archivist who served as the 36th President of the Society of American Archivists.[1] She was also a leader in the archives community in Ohio, and was a founding member of the Society of Ohio Archivists.[2]

Ruth W. Helmuth
Born
Ruth Walter

(1918-08-29)August 29, 1918
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S
DiedJuly 16, 1997(1997-07-16) (aged 78)
NationalityAmerican
Alma mater
Occupations
Employers
SpouseDonovan Edward Helmuth
Children1

Life edit

Born in 1918 in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S, Helmuth was educated at the Radcliffe College and Smith College where she obtained her Bachelor's and master's degrees. After graduation she taught high school English classes and worked in office management before entering the archives profession.[2]

In 1967 Helmuth was appointed University Archivist for Case Western Reserve University, continuing in this position until her retirement in 1985.[3] During her time at the university she helped sponsor summer workshop programs for training archivists, and worked to establish a formal archives training program in association with the School of Library Science and the Department of History.[4]

Helmuth was also involved with regional and national archival associations. From 1973–1977, Helmuth served on the SAA Council while she was serving at Case Western Reserve University. In 1979, she was elected Vice President and in 1981 she became the president of the Society of American Archivists. During her career she also worked on a range of professional committees related to archival training and professional standards.[3]

Death edit

Helmuth died on July 16, 1997.

References edit

  1. ^ "Presidents". Society of American Archivists. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Helmuth, Ruth Walter". Encyclopedia of Cleveland History. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Council Meeting Minutes". The American Archivist. 61 (2): 483. January 1998. doi:10.17723/aarc.61.2.4j024317438h5175.
  4. ^ "Recollections from the Archives: Ruth W. Helmuth, University Archivist, 1964-1985". blog.case.edu. Case Western Reserve University. Retrieved 10 January 2018.