Collections

Bits and pieces of the history of poliomyelitis can be found in many places, such as academic institutions, state and private libraries, governmental facilities and the archives of nonprofits and professionals organizations. Called collections, these facilities have been located and described.

The PHI (Post-Polio Health International) Collection entry currently contains copies of all the publications edited by Gini Laurie, founder of PHI, a.k.a. Rehabilitation Gazette, Gazette International Networking Institute or GINI, between 1962 and 1989.

Bentley Historical Library

Within the Bentley Historical Library collection is, “Poliomyelitis and the Salk Vaccine: A Guide to Resources in the Bentley Historical Library,” a printed (now on-line) guide prepared to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the announcement that the poliomyelitis vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk (University of Pittsburgh) was safe and effective.

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Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum contains information on Dr. Jonas Salk and the polio vaccine as it relates to the time period of the Eisenhower administration.

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Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum contains an on-line finding aid to 385 manuscript collections, many relating to the polio topic and President Roosevelt's public support in fighting the disease, including the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation. Of particular interest are the President's Personal Files 334: Infantile Paralysis, 1933-1945 (Boxes 1 and 2), and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Family, Business and Personal Papers; Subject File; Folder: Infantile Paralysis: FDR's Attack and Treatment (Box 23).

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Hickory Public Library/Patrick Beaver Memorial

The Hickory Public Library’s Carolina Room contains polio-related materials under the headings of “Polio” and “The Miracle of Hickory.” Included are 1944 aerial photographs of the Infantile Paralysis Hospital (an emergency polio hospital) and snapshots of polio patients taken by Dr. Seifert.

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International Ventilator Users Network (IVUN)

The IVUN (International Ventilator Users Network) Collection entry contains copies of all the newsletters published since IVUN was formed in 1987. The newsletter was called IVUN News from 1987 until mid- 2003 when it became Ventilator-Assisted Living. IVUN addresses the needs of all users (ie, ALS, DMD, SCI, SMA, post-polio, etc.) of home mechanical ventilation. IVUN News (January 1987, Vol. 1, No. 1)

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March of Dimes Archives

The March of Dimes Archives is the official repository of non-current records of the March of Dimes. Its polio-related holdings include published and unpublished information in a variety of media created, received, and maintained by the March of Dimes and its predecessor, The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis.

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New York University Archives

The New York University Archives contains a small, non-digitized collection on Dr. Albert Sabin, including information about awards given to him by New York University and speeches he gave at New York University, along with some photographs of Dr. Sabin. New York University Archives Bobst Library 10th Floor 70 Washington Square South New York, NY 10012 USA

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PHI Collections

PHI's Collections includes the Gazette, published under various names, from 1955 - 1998, as well as the programs from PHI's first three international conferences, and the 1984 edition of the Handbook. Publications are in PDF format. Some files are rather large, so please be patient while it downlaods the selected file. All publications after Vol. 1, No. 2 are searchable. Toomeyville Gazette (July 1955)

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Rotary International Archives

The Rotary International Archives gathers and preserves Rotary-related historical materials—including the PolioPlus program—and makes them available to RI staff, Rotarians and researchers. The collection includes photographs, publications, moving images, audio recordings, artifacts such as braces and an iron lung and related documents.

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Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History

The website, Whatever Happened to Polio?, was created in conjunction with a temporary gallery exhibit (April 12, 2005 through September 4, 2006) to mark the 50th anniversary of the announcement that Dr. Jonas Salk's polio vaccine was safe and effective.

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