Sally and David R. Brown collection on Marty Mann (Ms.2009.002)

The Sally and David R. Brown collection on Marty Mann contains information about key figures in America's Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) movement. It focuses primarily on Marty Mann, an influential figure in early alcoholism treatment and awareness in the United States and the first woman to successfully complete AA's recovery program. The Marty Mann materials focus on all aspects of her life, from her youth to her trials with and life-long fight against alcoholism. Most of the sources in the collection come from the co-authors of Marty Mann's biography, Reverend Sally Brown and her husband, David R. Brown. Much of the collection is research materials assembled by the Browns to assist in the completion of their biography titled A Biography of Mrs. Marty Mann: The First Lady of Alcoholics Anonymous. The collection includes articles by and about Marty Mann, Sally and David Brown's research notes, materials from collaborators on Mann's biography, information regarding Priscilla Peck who was Mann's partner, interview transcripts, information on organizations dealing with alcoholism, various photographs, a collection of audio tape recordings and other miscellaneous materials devoted to other important figures in the alcoholism movement as well as the early gay rights movement.

The papers are organized into the following 14 series:

Series 1: Art and Photographs : Copies of art, photographs and information about art galleries and art acquisitions. Much of these sources within this category concern Priscilla Peck, Mann’s partner and avid art collector.

Series 2: Articles about Marty Mann : From a number of sources, from a variety of times on a variety of subjects. All contain at least passing a reference to Marty Mann; some are full expositions on Marty Mann’s life and work.

Series 3: Articles by Sally and/or David Brown : Articles dealing specifically with Sally and/or David Brown’s work.

Series 4: Articles by Marty Mann : Includes interviews conducted with Marty Mann; most deal with Mann’s struggle with and crusade against alcoholism.

Series 5: Audio Cassettes of Marty Mann interviews : Includes interviews and speeches as well as other AA topics.

Series 6: Biography Materials : Early drafts of the Mann biography with revisions from many sources, also includes a number of rejection letters from publishers, lists of prospective publishers and sample cover drafts.

Series 7: Books : A book written by Marty Mann in Spanish called "Nuevo Concepto Sobre Alcoholismo."

Series 8: Clippings About Marty Mann : From a number of newspapers and magazines, which mention Mann regarding all aspects of her life.

Series 9: Collaborators : A variety of people and organizations assisted the Brown’s in their biographical research as well as in the early drafts of the book. This category includes correspondence, interview notes, research papers, drafts, revisions, and written commentary.

Series 10: Correspondence to and from Marty Mann

Series 11: Miscellaneous Texts : Includes information on general alcoholism, other research materials, articles, honors, and scripts.

Series 12: Notes : General handwritten notes related to the research about Marty Mann.

Series 13: Organizations that had bearing on alcoholism, Marty Mann's life and influence, or biographical research : Includes libraries, universities, hospitals and other organizations that either had bearing on alcoholism, Marty Mann’s life and influence, or biographical research.

Series 14: Important figures in Mann's life : Personalities. Important figures in Mann’s life, in the 20th century and regarding the fighting against alcoholism.