Lila M. Sapinsley papers (Ms. 2008.021)

Lila M. Sapinsley is a civic leader and former state senator from Rhode Island. Her papers contain numerous awards given in recognition of her public service, copies of and notes for speeches, subject files on various topics related to her political career, nineteen scrapbooks, and her memoir.

The awards in this collection consist of both plaques and certificates. Many are for "Woman of the Year". Also included are certificates from the State Board of Elections and three undated photographs taken of Mrs. Sapinsley with President Ronald Reagan, Barbara Bush and Elizabeth Dole respectively.

The series regarding redistricting contains a variety of material related to the unsuccessful attempt by State Senator Rocco Quattrocci to combine senate districts two and three on the east side of Providence in 1982. It includes newspaper articles, press releases, correspondence, legal documents and a minicassette.

Most of the speeches in these papers are handwritten and not dated. Other material such as correspondence, fliers, pamphlets and programs is included in this series.

The subject files contain material related to Mrs. Sapinsley's service in the Rhode Island Senate, her campaign for Lieutenant Governor, her work with the Board of Trustees of State Colleges, the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation, the Public Utilities Commission, and the Committee to Study Medical Education at Brown University.

The scrapbooks are arranged chronologically. They include newspaper clippings, correspondence, pamphlets, photographs and invitations to various events. Mrs. Sapinsley's original title for each scrabbook has been retained.

The final series, writings, consists of Mrs. Sapinsley's memoir, which was published in 2007. It is entitled Caring, Courage and Conviction: The Memoirs of Lila M. Sapinsley