Harriet Ida Pickens Papers
Historic Owner
Harriet I. Pickens
Date1945–June 24, 2004
Mediumpaper, ink
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William Pickens III. A2008.41
Object numberA2008.41
DescriptionExtent: 2 foldersHarriet Ida Pickens was one of only two Black women to become officers in the U.S. Naval Reserve (Women's Reserve), commonly known as the WAVES, or Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, during World War II. These papers contain items from her time in the service, a song referring to Pickens and several books that mention her.
Envelope; addressed to Pickens for her birthday, March 17, 1954
- Typed song sheet referencing Pickens, possibly the contents of the envelope.
Book; Second Battle of the Philippines. New York, New York: Whittlesey House, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1945
- Signed by Pickens.
Newsletter; U.S. Naval Training School (WR) Conning Tower. New York, New York: October 1945
- Final issue of the Conning Tower. Articles discuss de-mobilization, post-Navy opportunities, and converting the WAVES uniform for civilian wear
Book; Navy Officer Careers Handbook. Bureau of Naval Personnel, Office of the Navy. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1964
Book; Hoke, Celia. Women in the Armed Forces. Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services. Washington, DC: Office of Information for the Armed Forces, 1976
Clipping, Newspaper; Frazer, Amanda Star. “Breaking a Color Barrier.” The East Hampton Star, June 24, 2004
Songbook; Marching to Victory. Northampton, Massachusetts: Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School (WR), n.d.
- Songs about the WAVES and the U.S. Navy
On View
Not on view
Edward A. Ritter
November 10, 1944
Object number: P2019.57
