The Lucille H. Pendell Papers, 1948-1973, consist of 2,000 pages of correspondence and manuscripts of Lucille Hunt Pendell, who served as librarian at Gallaudet College for more than 25 years.

The majority of the papers are dated from the mid 1950’s the mid 160s, and reflect Pendell’s interests and activities while at Gallaudet College.

Lucille Pendell came to Gallaudet College in 1943 as Librarian and Assistant Professor in the Library Science Department. She was very involved in Gallaudet and published several articles relating to her profession. Included in the collection are the articles, “Edward Miner Gallaudet Memorial Library Gallaudet College, Kendall Green” and “Library Service to the Deaf”, as well as correspondence relating to these articles and descriptions of the contents, function and purpose of the library.

Miss Pendell also was asked on numerous occasions to review books and articles associated with both library services and deafness. Pendell’s reviews, as well as letters requesting the reviews, are included among her papers.

On February 5, 1957 the Edward Miner Memorial Library opened. During the planning stages of the library, Pendell wrote two separate descriptions of the operational program of the Library, including the physical layout and facilities of the Edward Miner Gallaudet Memorial Library. These handwritten descriptions can be found along with various correspondence, including Pendell’s appointment as chairperson of the Library Science Department, in 1971.

In addition to being an integral part of the E.M.G. Memorial Library and the Library Science Department, Pendell was also actively involved with the Gallaudet students. Specifically, she was an honorary member and the advisor of the Phi Kappa Zeta sorority. One can find Pendell’s name tags, certificate of membership, correspondence, invitations and programs relating to the sorority’s activities from 1952 on.

In 1972, Lucille Pendell retired as Head Librarian at Gallaudet College. To show their appreciation to Pendell, the students, faculty and staff wrote personal letters of thanks and compiled these into a book. The book was then presented to Mrs. Pendell at her retirement party. Copies of the letters, as well as Mrs. Pendell’s thank you letters and banquet napkins, book markers and programs are included in the collection.