Repository
Heinz History Center
Title Patricia Clapp Papers Collection Number MSS 1196 Extent
2.25 linear feet
2 boxes and 1 shelf volume
Date 1947-2019 Abstract Patricia "Pat" Clapp is an advocate for
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a member of organizations
in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina, Clapp attended events, gave speeches, and
received countless pieces of correspondence and news clippings regarding her work. The
Patricia Clapp Papers contain correspondence, news clippings, award certificates, event
programs, copies of speeches, and images throughout Clapp's life as an advocate. A portion
of this collection has been digitized and can be found online. Language The material in this collection is
in English. Author The guide to this collection was written by Bryan Brown. Publisher Heinz History Center Address
1212 Smallman St.https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org History
Patricia "Pat" Etta Clapp was born in 1929, to Adam and Inez Fornof in Wilkinsburg,
Pennsylvania. Clapp graduated from Wilkinsburg High School in 1947. After graduation, she
worked at Mayview State Hospital in the Occupational Therapy Department. In 1952, Pat
married Harry Patterson Clapp, an engineer from Greensboro, North Carolina. Clapp's advocacy
began in the early 1950s when she joined the Junior Section of the Wilkinsburg Women's Club
of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC). This local club had learned through a
guest speaker at their meeting that a child was being denied entry to public school because
the child had Down syndrome. Galvanized to address this need for local children, Clapp and
fellow Junior Section members raised funds to support the opening of a preschool for
children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Performing in a fund-raising
revue, these young women raised $2,000 for this cause. They donated the funds to the
Allegheny County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children (ACC-PARC,
now Achieva), which in turn opened the Wilkinsburg Pre-School for Mentally Retarded Children
at South Avenue Methodist Church in Wilkinsburg in 1953. It was the first of thirteen
pre-schools for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities started by
ACC-PARC in Allegheny County. Clapp worked at the pre-school as a volunteer. Together with
Junior Section members, Clapp also launched a National Crusade for Change among Junior
Section GFWCs to develop programs for people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities in every community.
Pat and Harry Clapp had three children together: Jeff, Jean, and David. With the arrival of
David in 1955, the Clapps entered the world of having a child with intellectual and
developmental disabilities, as David was born with Down syndrome. The Clapps refrained from
telling others of David's condition until 1961 when Pat listened to Dr. Ted Johnson give a
speech to the Junior Section of the GFWC regarding his life as a father of a child with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. Around 1959, when David was ready to attend
preschool, Clapp began volunteering with the statewide PARC (now the Arc of Pennsylvania and
the ACC-PARC).
Clapp's involvement with ACC-PARC and PARC grew over time, Governor Scranton appointed her
to the Board of Directors for the Western State School in 1963. Clapp served as president of
ACC-PARC for the years 1964 through 1966. Clapp eventually became president of PARC from
1971 until 1973. During her tenure as president, PARC campaigned for the right to equal
education for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During this time,
public schools were entitled to deny children with intellectual disabilities the right to
attend their schools and recommended parents institutionalize their children. The Clapps
experienced this first-hand with their son, David. When they reached out to the American
Medical Association for information about the best services for him, they received a letter
telling them there was "no chance that the condition can be improved." Like most parents of
children with Down syndrome in that era, Clapp and her husband Harry were advised to
institutionalize their youngest son. The Clapps refused and chose to use Pat's position as
president of PARC to fight for equal education for all children with intellectual and
developmental disabilities in Pennsylvania. The court case PARC v. Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania lasted between 1971 and 1972, and featured parents of children with
intellectual disabilities denied free public education suing the state. The case settled in
1972 with a consent decree that stated that no child between the ages of 6 and 21 would be
denied an education based on their intellectual or developmental disability. Due to the
decree and PARC's efforts, it laid the foundation for Federal Public Law 94-142, Education
for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, later renamed the "Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act" (IDEA).
During Clapp's tenure as president of PARC, she also fought to eliminate the involuntary
testing of vaccines on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living
in state-run institutions. Institutions across the state used people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities as test subjects for vaccines, without their parents' knowledge
or permission (sometimes parents received a permission form from the institution after the
experiment). Vaccines tested for meningitis, pneumococcal pneumonia, and the flu were among
those tested. Girls within the institutions were given a birth-control "shot" against their
will. With pressure from PARC and public opinion, the practice of testing of vaccines on
children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in state-run institutions ended in
1973. Throughout her career, Clapp was also known for creating opportunities for young
people to build relationships with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Such initiatives include the HOPE Corps and the Youth PARC.
In her role as president of PARC, Clapp contributed to the Deinstitutionalization Movement,
which transitioned people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from state-run
institutions to community-based living arrangements. During this era, Clapp learned from
ACC-PARC of horrid living conditions at Polk State School and Hospital in Venango County.
Clapp ensured that Helene Wohlgemuth, the state public welfare secretary, visited Polk.
Wohlgemuth witnessed the use of wooden cages and restraints that housed residents considered
by staff to be "unruly." Thanks to the attention drawn by advocates, Wohlgemuth also noted
that the overcrowded and understaffed institution used drugs to sedate patients. Three days
after her visit, Wohlgemuth wrote a letter to James H. McClelland, director of the
institution, informing him that he was dismissed from his role. PARC and ACC-PARC supported
this decision. For those supportive of McClelland, Wohlgemuth's decision sparked outrage.
Linking this action to ACC-PARC and PARC's unannounced site visits to Polk, people opposing
McClelland's dismissal hanged Pat Clapp and fellow PARC advocate Eleanor Elkin in effigy.
In 1976, Governor Shapp appointed Clapp to the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.
Following this appointment, Clapp remained active with PARC as the organization witnessed
the closure of institutions like Pennhurst State School and Hospital across the state. In
1979, the Clapp family moved to Virginia. While in Virginia, Pat involved herself with the
Northern Virginia Association for Retarded Children (No. Va. ARC), now known as The Arc of
Northern Virginia. Clapp remained active with the organization until she moved with her
family to North Carolina, following Harry's retirement. Clapp continued her work as an
advocate with the Association for Retarded Citizens of Greensboro, Inc. (now known as The
Arc of Greensboro) and The Arc of North Carolina following the move.
In compliance with its affiliation with the national organization, the Pennsylvania
Association for Retarded Children changed its name to the Pennsylvania Association for
Retarded Citizens between the years 1973 and 1981. In 1992, the organization changed its
name to its current name of The Arc of Pennsylvania. The ACC-PARC followed similar name
changes and became known as the Arc of Allegheny County. As of the writing of this finding
aid, the Arc of Allegheny, Beaver, and Westmoreland Counties are child organizations of
ACHIEVA.
Scope and Content Notes The Patricia Clapp Papers contain records collected and created by Clapp throughout her
career as an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Western
Pennsylvania. Records include newsletters from the organizations she was involved with or
interacted with (PARC, ACC-PARC, etc.); newspaper clippings regarding her, her son David,
and the work of the organizations she was involved with (including coverage on the Pennhurst
State School and Polk State School and Hospital); correspondence from organizations and
individuals involved with her campaigns for equal treatment for people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities; awards and certificates received throughout her career; and
photographs of individuals and events.
This collection contains one folder of materials related to Clapp's personal life: a
newspaper announcement of her wedding, a Good Housekeeping article, and notes regarding the
care for her mother.
Arrangement
The Patricia Clapp Papers are arranged topically by organization or cause that Clapp was
involved with in one box and one shelf volume.
Conditions Governing Access
Materials with personally identifying information regarding minors with intellectual and
developmental disabilities and their parents were redacted and separated from the
collection.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gifts from Patricia "Pat" Clapp on April 2019 and April 2021.
Archives accessions # 2019.0060 and 2021.0059
Preferred Citation
Patricia Clapp Papers, 1947-2019, MSS 1196, Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and
Archives, Heinz History Center
Separated Materials
Disabled American Veterans Sterling Morelock Honorary Dinner, c. 1922-1930, OFF 121, Thomas
and Katherine Detre Library and Archives, Senator John Heinz History Center. (This
photograph includes Pat Clapp's father, Adam Fornof, who was in attendance at the
dinner.)
Related Materials
Papers maintained by Pat Clapp concerning the closing of Pennhurst State School and
Hospital are in the custody of the Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Alliance. These
papers also concern Clapp's involvement in creating and helping to lead a youth movement
under the auspices of PARC.
Copies of legal filings and related reference materials maintained by Pat Clapp on PARC v.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Right to Education case) and other Pennsylvania cases
concerning disability rights have been transferred to the Public Interest Law Center of
Philadelphia (PILC). Selected records of PILC are maintained by Temple University's Special
Collections Research Center.
Bob Nelkin Collections of Allegheny County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association for
Retarded Children (ACC-PARC) Records, 1953-2000, MSS 1002, Thomas and Katherine Detre
Library and Archives, Senator John Heinz History Center
Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Children, Allegheny County Chapter Records,
1952-1965, AIS.1966.01, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Bryan Brown in April 2019. Additions to the collection
were processed by Bryan Brown in June 2021.
Conditions Governing Use
Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are
retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or
publish, please contact the Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and Archives of the Senator
John Heinz History Center.
Existence and Location of Copies
A portion of this collection has been digitized and can be found online.
Subjects Corporate Names Association for Retarded Citizens (U.S.) Other Subjects Children with disabilities -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh Children with disabilities -- Pennsylvania Children with disabilities -- Virginia Children with disabilities -- North Carolina State hospitals -- Pennsylvania Intellectual disability facilities -- Pennsylvania Right to education--Pennsylvania People with mental disabilities--Pennsylvania. People with mental disabilities--Virginia. People with mental disabilities--North Carolina. Container List Mayview Hospital Occupational Therapy , 1947-2008
Containers Box 1 , Folder 1 Mayview Occupational Therapy Department Photograph , 1947
Containers Box 1 , Folder 1 Box 1 , Folder 1 , Item 1 Scope and Contents An image of the Mayview Occupational Therapy Department, with Patricia "Pat" Clapp
standing second from left. Clapp began working in the department after graduating from
Wilkinsburg High School in 1947.
PARC
Governor Appointments , 1963-1976
Containers Box 1 , Folder 2 L. Steuart Brown Correspondence , 2011-2012
Containers Box 1 , Folder 3 L. Steuart Brown Correspondence , 2012-2015
Containers Box 1 , Folder 4 Correspondence, News Relases, and Organization Records , 1949-2013
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Bridge of Understanding Sheet , undated
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of a document that describes PARC's objectives and information regarding
intellectual disabilities. As a member of PARC, Pat Clapp fought for the rights of
people, children especially, with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the
state.
Pennsylvania Federation of Womens Clubs Letter , August 3, 1965
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter from a member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Womens Clubs
thanking Clapp for participating in the Federation's summer conference and talking
about her work with PARC and people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities.
Pat Clapp Speech to Pennsylvania Federation of Womens Club , 1965
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 3 Scope and Contents Handwritten notes from a speech Clapp gave to junior members of the Pennsylvania
Federation of Womens Clubs regarding the work of PARC, the welfare of people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities in Pennsylvania, and the role that the
Federation and junior members played in the progress made in recent years. Clapp
also presented awards to members at this event.
Fred Henry Letter to Pat Clapp , October 9, 1967
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter from Fred Henry of PARC to Clapp regarding her work with the
Interfaith Seminar and the need for a place for worship for people with intellectual
and developmental disabilities.
Horizon Home Letter , December 2, 1971
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter from Horizon Home to Clapp acknowledging her resignation due to
a possible conflict of interest in her new role. Following Clapp's election to the
President of PARC, she resigned as Vice-Chairman of Horizon Home, a center that gave
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities training and skills to live
independently.
Reverend W. Lee Hicks Letter , March 9, 1971
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter from Reverend W. Lee Hicks, Executive Director of the Christian
Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, to Clapp regarding a news article in the
Pittsburgh Press that discussed Clapp's son David, who has Downs
Syndrome.
Letter from a Mother , March 15, 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter from a parent who wished to share their perspective on raising a
child with Downs Syndrome with Clapp. Clapp received numerous letters from parents
and individuals following the publication of a Pittsburgh Press article featuring
her and her son David.
Letter from Shirley Bugos , April 19, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter from Mrs. Shirley Bugos expressing her support for the dismissal
of Dr. James McClelland as director of Polk State School and Hospital. Following a
surprise visit to Polk State School and Hospital, state welfare secretary Helene
Wohlgemuth removed Dr. James McClelland as director. PARC supported this decision.
As president of PARC, Clapp received numerous letters that criticized and praised
the organization's stance on the matter.
Peter Polloni Letter , June 13, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter from Peter Polloni to Clapp expressing his appreciation and
gratitude for her and her work as president of PARC following the conclusion of her
tenure as president in 1973.
James McClelland Letter , February 25, 1978
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter from Dr. James McClelland, former director of Polk State School
and Hospital who was removed from office during Clapp's tenure as President of PARC,
wrote to Clapp to inform her that he had no intention to attend a luncheon honoring
her work at PARC. PARC hosted this luncheon due to Clapp and her family moving to
Virginia.
Right to Live in the Community History , 1978
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A scan of a document highlighting key moments in PARC's fight for the
deinstitutionalization of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The right to live within the community was one of PARC's goals as an
organization.
Dehumanization Vs Dignity Packet , c.
1970
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 12 Scope and Contents A scan of a guide created by the Minnesota Department of Public Welfare that
demonstrates practices that dehumanizes people compared to practices that treated
people with dignity. PARC distributed this pamphlet to demonstrate the preferred
method of treating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
within state institutions.
Today's Health Letter , October 4, 1955
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 13 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter from Today's Health that advocates for the institutionalization
of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After the birth of
their son David, the Clapp's reached out for opinions regarding the options for
raising a child with Downs Syndrome. The Clapp's refused to institutionalize their
son.
George Soloyanis Letter , May 7, 1970
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 14 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter from Dr. George Soloyanis to Clapp discussing an upcoming
conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Clapp, as a member of PARC, attended many
events regarding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including
conferences that Dr. Soloyanis spoke at.
Boy Scouts of America Flyer , c. 1970-1979
Containers Box 1 , Folder 5 Box 1 , Folder 5 , Item 15 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter distributed by the Allegheny County Chapter of the PARC
(ACC-PARC) informing parents that the Boy Scouts of America was open to children
with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Newsletters and News Clippings , 1963-1999
Containers Box 1 , Folder 6
PARC News
, December 1963
Containers Box 1 , Folder 6 Box 1 , Folder 6 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of the December 1963 PARC News newsletter sent out to PARC
members.
Pennsylvania Message
, 1970
Containers Box 1 , Folder 6 Box 1 , Folder 6 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of the 1970 Autumn issue of the Pennsylvania Message newsletter
sent out to PARC members.
Pennsylvania Message (2) , 1970-1971
Containers Box 1 , Folder 6 Box 1 , Folder 6 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A copy of the 1970-1971 Winter issue of the Pennsylvania Message
newsletter sent out to PARC members.
Pennsylvania Message (3) , 1971
Containers Box 1 , Folder 6 Box 1 , Folder 6 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A copy of the 1971 Special Summer issue of the Pennsylvania Message
newsletter sent out to PARC members.
Pennsylvania Message (4) , March 1971
Containers Box 1 , Folder 6 Box 1 , Folder 6 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A copy of the March 1971 issue of the Pennsylvania Message newsletter
sent out to PARC members.
Pennsylvania Message (5) , June 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 6 Box 1 , Folder 6 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A copy of the June 1972 issue of the Pennsylvania Message newsletter
sent out to PARC members.
Pennsylvania Message (6) , August 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 6 Box 1 , Folder 6 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A copy of the August 1972 issue of the Pennsylvania Message newsletter
sent out to PARC members.
Pennsylvania Message (7) , November 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 6 Box 1 , Folder 6 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A copy of the November 1972 issue of the Pennsylvania Message
newsletter sent out to PARC members.
Pennsylvania Message (8) , March 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 6 Box 1 , Folder 6 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A copy of the March 1973 issue of the Pennsylvania Message newsletter
sent out to PARC members.
Pennsylvania Message (9) , May 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 6 Box 1 , Folder 6 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A copy of the May 1973 issue of the Pennsylvania Message newsletter
sent out to PARC members.
Pennsylvania Message (10) , September 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 6 Box 1 , Folder 6 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A copy of the September 1973 issue of the Pennsylvania Message
newsletter sent out to PARC members.
Legal Rights of the Mentally Retarded Handbook and Case Study
Speeches , 1972-1974
Containers Box 1 , Folder 7 Notes and Speeches , c. 1960-1980
Containers Box 1 , Folder 8 Clapp's Speech at PARC Convention , c. 1972-1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 8 Box 1 , Folder 8 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of Clapp's presidential speech at PARC's twenty-third annual convention. In
this speech, Clapp spoke about the fight for equal education for people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities, PARC's role in the matter, and other
projects PARC and its members supported throughout the year.
PARC Board of Directors Meeting Minutes , June 7, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 8 Box 1 , Folder 8 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A handwritten copy of minutes for PARC's board of directors. Among the topics
discussed include the use of children with intellectual and developmental
disabilities being used to test vaccines without parental consent, the aftermath of
the firing of the director of Polk State School James McClelland, and the vote by
the Venango County ARC to withdrawal from PARC.
President Report at Meeting , June 8, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 8 Box 1 , Folder 8 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A handwritten copy of President Pat Clapp's remarks at the June 8, 1973 PARC
meeting. Clapp discussed PARC's role as an advocate, the projects the organization
and its members organized and supported in the past year, and issues the
organization should devote their efforts toward.
Pat Clapp Speech , c. 1971-1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 8 Box 1 , Folder 8 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A handwritten copy of one of Clapp's speeches as President of PARC. Clapp discussed
the recent court decision that guaranteed the equal right to education for children
with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the organizational structure of
PARC.
Clapp Speech Regarding Ruth Kennedy and Ralph Randolph , 1974
Containers Box 1 , Folder 8 Box 1 , Folder 8 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A handwritten draft of one of Clapp's speeches regarding a young couple with
intellectual disabilities and their fight for the right to marry one another. After
attending the Western State School in Canonsburg, Pa., Ralph Randolph and Ruth
Kennedy obtained jobs, reintegrated into the community, and applied for
marriage.
PARC Award Speech Draft , c. 1968-1975
Containers Box 1 , Folder 8 Box 1 , Folder 8 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A handwritten draft of Clapp's speech to honor a local chapter of the United States
Junior Chamber, also known as Jaycees, set to receive an award for their efforts to
advocate and improve the lives of those with intellectual and developmental
disabilities.
Legal Papers and Reports , 1966-1993
Containers Box 1 , Folder 9 Right to Education , 1971-2009
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 "A Time for Change" Speech , c.
2009
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Box 1 , Folder 10 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of a speech delivered by Clapp to explain what kind of work she and PARC did
for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the 1970s PARC fought
for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend public
school and to end the experimentation of vaccines on children within state schools
without parental consent.
Right to Education Pamphlet , c. 1972-1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Box 1 , Folder 10 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A scan of a pamphlet distributed by PARC to inform citizens and parents of the new
ruling and policies regarding their children's education rights following the
settlement of the case PARC v the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The case guaranteed
the right to equal public education for people with developmental and intellectual
disabilities between the ages of 5 and 21.
Right to Education Fact Sheet , c. 1972-1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Box 1 , Folder 10 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A scan of a fact sheet distributed by distributed by PARC to inform citizens and
parents of the new ruling and policies regarding their children's education rights
following the settlement of the case PARC v the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The
case guaranteed the right to equal public education for people with developmental
and intellectual disabilities between the ages of 5 and 21.
Right to Education Pamphlet (2) , October 8, 1971
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Box 1 , Folder 10 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A scan of a pamphlet distributed by PARC to inform citizens and parents of the new
ruling and policies regarding their children's education rights following the
settlement of the case PARC v the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The case guaranteed
the right to equal public education for people with developmental and intellectual
disabilities between the ages of 5 and 21.
Ben Schoenfeld Memo Regarding Meeting with the Masters , November 4, 1971
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Box 1 , Folder 10 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A copy of a memo sent by Ben Schoenfeld, Executive Director of PARC, recapped a
meeting regarding the right to equal public education for people with intellectual
and developmental disabilities and what actions are needed going forward.
William Beach Letter , April 5, 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Box 1 , Folder 10 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter from Dr. William Beach, Deputy Secretary for Mental Health and
Mental Retardation office, to Clapp responding to her inquiry regarding the
possibility of demolishing a number of facilities at state institutions. During
Clapp's tenure, PARC fought to deinstitutionalize the state and provide better
living conditions for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities
than what the state institutions offered.
Letter to Thomas Gilhool , May 5, 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Box 1 , Folder 10 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter from Clapp to Thomas Gilhool, thanking him for his services
during the case of PARC v the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Gilhool was the attorney
that worked for PARC. The case guaranteed free public education for individuals
between the ages of 5 and 21.
Peter Polloni Memo , May 10, 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Box 1 , Folder 10 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A copy of a memo from Peter Polloni, Executive Director of PARC, is a collection of
quotes by Governor Milton Shapp and Pat Clapp regarding the Federal Court's opinion
on the right to education. The court's decision guaranteed that individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities between the ages of 5 and 21 received
free public education.
Governor Shapp Speech Draft , May 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Box 1 , Folder 10 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A copy of Governor Shapp's speech draft announcing the launch of the Childhunt
campaign. Following the ruling from the Federal Courts that guaranteed public
education for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities between
the ages of 5 and 21, Governor Shapp created the campaign to locate all Pennsylvania
citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities and enroll them in public
schools. Clapp wrote notes on throughout this draft.
Right to Education News Release Draft , September 30, 1971
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Box 1 , Folder 10 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A copy of a draft for a press conference hosted by Governor Shapp, Pat Clapp,
Helene Wohlgemuth, David Kurtzman, and J. Shane Creamer that announced the court
decision that guaranteed the right to public education for people with intellectual
and developmental disabilities throughout Pennsylvania. Clapp made notes on this
draft.
Suzanne Yenchko Memo , December 2, 1971
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Box 1 , Folder 10 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A copy of a memo from Suzanne Yenchko to fellow PARC leadership members describing
the events of the meeting and the logistics of possible plans to locate and inform
people of the court decision that guaranteed public education for people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Polk State School Publicity , 1960-1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 11 Allegheny County Chapter News Release , April 17, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 10 Box 1 , Folder 10 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of a news release from the Allegheny County Chapter of PARC (ACC-PARC)
supporting Helene Wohlgemuth, Secretary of the Department of Public Warfare, and her
decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of the Polk State School
and Hospital. Wohlgemuth removed McClelland from his position on April 16, 1973,
after a site visit that discovered patients placed in cages and restrained in
demeaning manners.
Polk State School Publicity , 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 12 PARC News Release , April 25, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 12 Box 1 , Folder 12 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of a news release from PARC supporting Helene Wohlgemuth, Secretary of the
Department of Public Warfare, and her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as
superintendent of the Polk State School and Hospital. Wohlgemuth removed McClelland
from his position on April 16, 1973, after a site visit that discovered patients
placed in cages and restrained in demeaning manners.
Polk State School Publicity , 1973-2019
Containers Box 1 , Folder 13 Polk State School Correspondence and Meeting Materials , 1971-1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Correspondence with a Concerned Parent , January 1, 1973 - January 24,
1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of letters between Clapp and a parent regarding state institutions and
alternative options for people with intellectual developmental disabilities. As
President of PARC, Clapp received a plethora of letters from concerned parents
regarding their children and their well-being within state institutions.
Meeting with Helene Wohlgemuth , March 15, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of notes and minutes for a meeting between PARC representatives and Public
Welfare Secretary, Helene Wohlgemuth. Topics discussed include the status of state
institutions like Polk State School and Hospital and Pennhurst, programs for
children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, community living,
financial issues, new personnel, and upcoming events. This meeting took place before
the surprise visit to Polk State School and Hospital that resulted in the firing of
superintendent James McClelland.
James McClelland Termination Papers , April 16, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A copy of papers related to the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent
of Polk State School and Hospital. Papers include a letter from Public Welfare
Secretary Helene Wohlgemuth to Dr. James McClelland informing him of his removal, a
news story following the decision, and a memo from Wohlgemuth to the superintendents
of other state institutions informing them that the use of cages/pens and any
de-humanizing methods used by employees will no longer be tolerated.
Father John Kirk Letter to Eleanor Elkin , April 16, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter from Father John Kirk to PARC member Eleanor Elkin voicing his
displeasure of a memo written by Elkin regarding the conditions at Polk State School
and Hospital.
Father John Kirk Telegram , 1973-04-17
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A copy of a telegram from Father John Kirk to Clapp voicing his displeasure over
the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and
Hospital and calling for Clapp to resign. Clapp received a plethora of
correspondence regarding her and PARC's role in the matter.
McClelland Support Letter to Governor Shapp , April 18, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter from a group of agencies within Venango County to Governor
Milton Shapp voicing their displeasure with the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as
superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital and those who played a role in the
decision.
Letter to Father John Kirk , April 18, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter from Clapp to Father John Kirk's responding to his telegram and
his criticisms of her and PARC's role in the removal of Dr. James McClelland as
superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Telegram to Governor Shapp , April 19, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A copy of a telegram to Governor Milton Shapp from the Westmoreland County ARC
voiced their support for Helene Wohlgemuth and Clapp following the removal of Dr.
James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Telegrams to Clapp , April 19, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A copy of two telegrams sent to Clapp as President of PARC after the removal of Dr.
James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. The top
telegram supports Clapp and PARC while the bottom telegram voices their displeasure
with her and PARC. The bottom telegram from the Venango County ARC even discusses
the possibility of the organization leaving PARC.
Franklin Junior Woman's Club Letter to Governor Shapp , April 19, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter to Governor Milton Shapp from the Franklin Junior Woman's Club
voicing their displeasure with the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as
superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital and those who played a role in the
decision.
Venango County Association Letter , April 23, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter from William Knox, President of the Venango County ARC, to
Clapp, President of PARC, informing her that the Venango County chapter wished to
end their affiliation with PARC following the removal of Dr. James McClelland as
Polk State School and Hospital superintendent.
Erie County Chapter Letter , April 24, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 12 Scope and Contents A letter from Mrs. Lubecki, President of the Erie ARC, to Clapp informing her of
Erie ARC's position statement on the removal of Dr. James McClelland as
superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Cumberland County Association Letter , April 27, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 13 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter from John Williams, President of the Cumberland County ARC, to
Clapp expressing the chapter's support for the dismissal of Dr. James McClelland as
superintendent at Polk State School and Hospital.
Region V Meeting , 1973-04-28
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 14 Scope and Contents A copy of resolutions passed by Region V of PARC during a meeting. Members voted to
support the actions of Clapp and PARC regarding the removal of Dr. James McClelland
as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
Correspondence with a Concerned Parent (2) , April 29, 1973 - April 30,
1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 15 Scope and Contents A copy of correspondence between Peter Polloni and a parent whose child attends
Polk State School and Hospital. The parent voices his support for Secretary of
Public Welfare Helene Wohlgemuth and her decision to remove Dr. James McClelland as
superintendent of the institution and provides a parent's perspective on the
matter.
Father John Kirk Resignation Correspondence , April 26, 1973 - May 1,
1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 16 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter from Clapp to Father John Kirk acknowledging his resignation as
State Chaplain for PARC and his continued criticism of PARC and her leadership. This
letter is accompanied by a copy of Father Kirk's resignation letter. Kirk resigned
following the removal of Dr. James McClelland as Polk State School and Hospital
superintendent. Kirk asserted that PARC's leadership and their opinion regarding the
dismissal resulted in his decision to resign.
Letter to Harriet Bleakley and Editorial , April 1973 - May 2, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 17 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter from Peter Polloni to Harriet Bleakley, editor and publisher for
The News-Herald to explain the role PARC played in the removal of Dr.
James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital and to respond
to points Bleakley raised in her editorial. A copy of Bleakley's editorial, calling
for small community-based residential facilities and better care for individuals
with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Pennsylvania, accompanies
this letter.
Eleanor Elkin Polk Memo , March 27, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 18 Scope and Contents A copy of a memo from Eleanor Elkin, Chairwoman of the Residential Service
Committee of PARC, documenting PARC's visit to Polk State School and Hospital. This
visit led to Helene Wohlgemuth to make an unannounced visit the following month and
resulted in the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent.
Memo to PARC Chapter Presidents , April 23, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 19 Scope and Contents A copy of a memo from Clapp to presidents of PARC chapters across the state after
the removal of Dr. James McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and
Hospital. In the memo, Clapp described what she and other PARC representatives
observed and why they called for an unannounced visit by Secretary of Public Welfare
Helene Wohlgemuth.
Letter to William Knox , May 1, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 20 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter from Clapp to William Knox, President of the Venango County ARC,
attempting to persuade the organization to reconsider their withdrawal from PARC.
The Venango ARC voted to withdraw from PARC following the removal of Dr. James
McClelland as superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital.
William Knox Letter , May 3, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 21 Scope and Contents A letter from William Knox, President of the Venango County ARC, to Peter Polloni
coordinating a meeting with PARC officials to discuss the relationship between the
two organizations after Venango County voted to leave PARC.
Letter to William Knox (2) , May 7, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 14 Box 1 , Folder 14 , Item 22 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter sent to William Knox, President of the Venango County ARC, from
Peter Polloni to discuss the relationship between the Venango County ARC and PARC
moving forward. Polloni wished to keep the relationship between the two
organizations civil moving forward.
Polk State School Correspondence and Meeting Materials , 1973-1974
Containers Box 1 , Folder 15 Dr. James McClelland Appeal , 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 15 Box 1 , Folder 15 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of Dr. James McClelland's appeal for reinstation as superintendent of Polk
State School and Hospital. This appeal failed, but McClelland eventually won in
Commonwealth Court and then resigned at the end of the year.
Letter to Marjorie Felder , May 10, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 15 Box 1 , Folder 15 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter sent to Marjorie Felder, a concerned citizen, regarding her
concerns and criticisms of PARC and the removal of Dr. James McClelland as
superintendent of Polk State School and Hospital. PARC, specifically Pat Clapp as
president, received numerous letters that voiced both support and criticism of PARC
and their role in the matter.
Helene Wohlgemuth Letter , June 25, 1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 15 Box 1 , Folder 15 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter written by Secretary of Public Welfare, Helene Wohlgemuth, to
newly-elected PARC President, Steuart Brown, regarding the ongoing fight to improve
conditions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within
state institutions.
Pennhurst Historical Marker , 2009-2015
Containers Box 1 , Folder 16 Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Materials and Images of America:
Pennhurst State School and Hospital Book , 2015
Containers Box 1 , Folder 17 Youth PARC/PARC Binder , 1963-2015
Containers Box 1 , Folder 18 Hope Corps Pamphlet , November 21, 1964
Containers Box 1 , Folder 18 Box 1 , Folder 18 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A scan of a pamphlet for an event sponsored by the Allegheny County Chapter of PARC
(ACC-PARC) and KDKA for the Hope Corps at the Pitt Field House. The Hope Corps was a
group affiliated with the ACC-PARC its members included young people who wished to
volunteer their time to help and spend time with individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities.
Project "GO" Forms , c. April 1976
Containers Box 1 , Folder 18 Box 1 , Folder 18 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of forms given to volunteers of the Youth PARC's Project "GO" program. This
group of forms includes a frequently asked questions and rules document,
registration form, and evaluation form. The program aimed to promote the inclusion
of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by pairing Youth
PARC members with children with special needs.
ACC-PARC Agendas, Minutes, and Reports , 1963-1966
Containers Box 1 , Folder 19 ACC-PARC Board Meeting Minutes , June 30, 1964
Containers Box 1 , Folder 19 Box 1 , Folder 19 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of the meeting minutes to Clapp's first meeting as President of Allegheny
County Chapter of PARC (ACC-PARC). Before becoming President of PARC, Clapp was a
member and President of ACC-PARC.
ACC-PARC 1965 Annual Report , 1966
Containers Box 1 , Folder 19 Box 1 , Folder 19 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of a pamphlet from the Allegheny County Chapter of PARC (ACC-PARC) informing
members and interested parties of the work and services that ACC-PARC performed in
1965.
ACC-PARC Correspondence and Publicity , 1956-2013
Containers Box 1 , Folder 20 Letter to Maggie Patterson , February 7, 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 20 Box 1 , Folder 20 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A copy of a letter sent to Maggie Patterson, a reporter for the Pittsburgh
Press, who wished to write an article about Clapp and her son David. The
Clapps refused to send David, who has Downs Syndrome, to an institution (a rarity at
the time).
Bob Nelkin Letter , June 15, 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 20 Box 1 , Folder 20 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter from Bob Nelkin, President of the ACC-PARC, to Clapp informing her
of ACC-PARC's field trip to McConnell's Mills and the impact it made on those who
went.
Louis Novak Memorial Card , August 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 20 Box 1 , Folder 20 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A scan of a memorial card for Louis Novak, a child with intellectual and
developmental disabilities who died on August 20, 1972, at the age of 15 as a resident
of Ridgeview. Novak drowned in an incident involving other residents of the
institution. His death, along with other deaths and injuries to residents at
institutions, heightened the call for better treatment of people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities and deinstitutionalization.
Bob Nelkin Response to Louis Novak's Death , August 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 20 Box 1 , Folder 20 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A copy of a statement by Bob Nelkin, Associate Executive Director of ACC-PARC,
following the death of Louis Novak, a child with intellectual and developmental
disabilities, while a resident of Ridgeview. Novak drowned in an incident involving
other residents of the institution. Nelkin used Novak's death, along with other deaths
and injuries to residents at institutions, to heighten the call for better treatment
of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Louis Novak Update , c.
1974
Containers Box 1 , Folder 20 Box 1 , Folder 20 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A copy of an update from Bob Nelkin, Associate Executive Director of ACC-PARC,
regarding Louis Novak's death. Novak, a child with intellectual and developmental
disabilities, drowned in an incident while a resident at Ridgeview.
Special Sunday School Class Information , c. 1956-1965
Containers Box 1 , Folder 20 Box 1 , Folder 20 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A copy of an informational page for a Sunday School program for children with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. Clapp, through her efforts with ACC-PARC,
aimed to create a Sunday School for children with intellectual and developmental
disabilities.
ACC-PARC Information Sheet , c. 1964-1966
Containers Box 1 , Folder 20 Box 1 , Folder 20 , Item 8 Scope and Contents A copy of a fact sheet mailed out by the Allegheny County Chapter of PARC (ACC-PARC)
to inform citizens of the campaign to create an Office of Mental Retardation to
distinguish intellectual and developmental disabilities from mental health issues.
"Cry Sorrow, Cry Hope" Flyer , 1971
Containers Box 1 , Folder 20 Box 1 , Folder 20 , Item 9 Scope and Contents A scan of a flyer for a dramatic telling produced by WQED-TV, Pittsburgh of a family
learning that their son has intellectual and developmental disabilities. Pat Clapp, as
a mother of a child who has special needs and President of ACC-PARC, spoke about the
program and its positive message.
Parent Study Group Information Sheet , c. 1956-1965
Containers Box 1 , Folder 20 Box 1 , Folder 20 , Item 10 Scope and Contents A copy of an information sheet created by ACC-PARC to assist parents who learned that
their child has intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Pittsburgh Press Article , March 6, 1972
Containers Box 1 , Folder 20 Box 1 , Folder 20 , Item 11 Scope and Contents A copy of a Pittsburgh Press article regarding Clapp, her son David, and
her work for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Clapp and
her husband Harry refused to send David, who has Downs Syndrome, to an institution,
opting to raise him at home with the same opportunities that their previous two
children had.
Hope Corps and ACC-PARC Youth Pamphlets , 1964-1965
Containers Box 1 , Folder 21 Hope Corps Pamphlet (2) , c. 1965-1973
Containers Box 1 , Folder 21 Box 1 , Folder 21 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of an informational pamphlet regarding the Hope Corps with an application
form. The Hope Corps was a group affiliated with the Allegheny County Chapter of PARC
(ACC-PARC), its members included young people who wished to volunteer their time to
help and spend time with individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities.
Youth PARC and Youth NARC Correspondence, Newsletter, and Orientation
Handbook , 1972-1976
Containers Box 1 , Folder 22 ACC-PARC/NARC/PFP Pamphlets , c. 1964-1994
Containers Box 1 , Folder 23 PARC Fact Sheet Pamphlet , c. 1964-1975
Containers Box 1 , Folder 23 Box 1 , Folder 23 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of a fact sheet created by PARC to inform citizens of the difference between
intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health issues. This sheet also
includes information regarding the beliefs and accomplishments of PARC.
ACC-PARC Informational Pamphlet , May
1964
Containers Box 1 , Folder 23 Box 1 , Folder 23 , Item 2 Scope and Contents A scan of a pamphlet mailed out by ACC-PARC to inform members and interested citizens
of the services provided, events attended by members, and the organization's
accomplishments between May 1963 and May 1964.
PARC Informational Pamphlet , c. 1972-1975
Containers Box 1 , Folder 23 Box 1 , Folder 23 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A scan of a pamphlet mailed out by PARC to inform interested citizens of PARC's
achievements, goals, and events hosted and supported by the association.
ACC-PARC Education Pamphlet , 1965
Containers Box 1 , Folder 23 Box 1 , Folder 23 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A scan of a pamphlet mailed out by ACC-PARC to inform members and interested citizens
of the educational services the chapter currently provided and a list of proposed
locations for services for the Fall of 1965.
PARC Action for Change Pamphlet , May
1969
Containers Box 1 , Folder 23 Box 1 , Folder 23 , Item 5 Scope and Contents A scan of a pamphlet handed out by PARC at their 19th annual convention. The pamphlet
highlights the differences between the old method of handling individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities and a proposed new method, a brief history
of legislation in Pennsylvania, and PARC's plans for the future.
Horizon Home Pamphlet , c. 1970-1971
Containers Box 1 , Folder 23 Box 1 , Folder 23 , Item 6 Scope and Contents A scan of a pamphlet for the Horizon Home. The Horizon Home was a non-profit
organization that provided an alternative to state schools and hospitals for children
with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Clapp served as the vice-chairwoman
of the organization until her election to President of PARC in 1971.
Interfaith Conference Pamphlet , September 17, 1967
Containers Box 1 , Folder 23 Box 1 , Folder 23 , Item 7 Scope and Contents A scan of a pamphlet for a conference concerning religious education for people with
developmental and intellectual disabilities. While a member of ACC-PARC, Clapp created
programs and events that aimed to provide spiritual education to individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. This event, hosted by the Mt. Lebanon
Methodist Church, was sponsored by ACC-PARC, Pittsburgh Diocese of the Roman Catholic
Church, Council of Churches of the Pittsburgh Area, and Rodef Shalom for the Jewish
Community.
NARC/Arc Correspondence, Newsletters, and Committee Minutes , 1966-1999
Containers Box 1 , Folder 24 Peter Polloni Letter (2) , February 24, 1978
Containers Box 1 , Folder 24 Box 1 , Folder 24 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter sent to Clapp by Peter Polloni. In 1978 Clapp and her family moved
to Virginia due to her husband getting a new job. Polloni worked with Clapp at PARC
and wrote to Clapp wishing her luck in her future endeavors.
New Life in the Neighborhood: How Persons with Retardation or Other Disabilities
Can Help Make a Good Community Better
, 1980
Containers Box 1 , Folder 25 NARC/PARC Binder , 1963-2015
Containers Box 1 , Folder 26 Junior Section of the General Federation of Women's Clubs/NARC
Binder , 1959-2010
Containers Box 1 , Folder 27 Wilkinsburg Area Community Plan , c.
1964
Containers Box 1 , Folder 27 Box 1 , Folder 27 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A copy of a plan developed by the Junior Section of the General Federation of Women's
Club for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the
Wilkinsburg community. As a member of the organization, Clapp supported this plan. The
plan outlines the need, the goals, and the logistics of the program.
Correspondence, Awards, and Publicity Binder , 1963-2008
Containers Box 1 , Folder 28 Letter to Pat Clapp , February 23, 1978
Containers Box 1 , Folder 28 Box 1 , Folder 28 , Item 1 Scope and Contents A scan of a letter from a fellow PARC member, possibly Eleanor Elkin, to Clapp
thanking her for her contributions and wishing her luck in her future endeavors. In
1978 Clapp left PARC due to her move to Virginia after her husband got a new job.
Clapp at a Conference , c. 1965-1978
Containers Box 1 , Folder 28 Box 1 , Folder 28 , Item 2 Scope and Contents An image of Clapp (second row, second from the left) posing with an assembly of
unidentified people during an unidentified conference.
Pat Clapp Testimonial Luncheon Flyer , February 25, 1978
Containers Box 1 , Folder 28 Box 1 , Folder 28 , Item 3 Scope and Contents A scan of a flyer for a luncheon honoring Clapp and her achievements at PARC. In 1978
Clapp left PARC and moved to Virginia due to her husband getting a new job, PARC
members organized a luncheon before her departure.
Pittsburgh Press Article (2) , April 24, 1966
Containers Box 1 , Folder 28 Box 1 , Folder 28 , Item 4 Scope and Contents A copy of a Pittsburgh Press article about Clapp and her work for
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Pittsburgh area.
The article discusses Clapp's work organizing Sunday School classes for children with
special needs, her role as a mother of a child with special needs, and her role as
President of the Allegheny County Chapter of PARC (ACC-PARC).
Advocacy Clippings and Programs Scrapbook , 1960-2015
Containers Shelf 1 , volume 1 Resumes and Biographies , 1974-1999
Containers Box 1 , Folder 29 International Laws and Scientific Studies , 2006-2014
Containers Box 1 , Folder 30 Western PA Disability History and Action Consortium and From Wrongs to
Rights , c. 2009-2013
Containers Box 1 , Folder 31 No. VA ARC/The Arc of Northern Virginia Correspondence and Organization
Records , 1972-1981
Containers Box 1 , Folder 32 The Arc of North Carolina Correspondence, Conference Materials, Publicity, and
Awards , 1989-1999
Containers Box 1 , Folder 33 Against Their Will Book Correspondence, Notes, and
Publicity , 2011-2013
Containers Box 1 , Folder 34 Photographs , 1964-2010
Containers Box 1 , Folder 35 Rainbow Gardens Field Trip , c. 1964-1968
Containers Box 1 , Folder 35 Box 1 , Folder 35 , Item 1 Scope and Contents An image of a group of children waiting to board a ride at Rainbow Gardens in White
Oak. During Clapp's tenure as President of ACC-PARC, she arranged programs and events
like this trip for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Rainbow Gardens Carousel , c. 1964-1968
Containers Box 1 , Folder 35 Box 1 , Folder 35 , Item 2 Scope and Contents An image of a group of children riding the carousel at Rainbow Gardens in White Oak.
During Clapp's tenure as President of ACC-PARC, she arranged programs and events like
this trip for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Easter Bunny Visit , c. 1964-1975
Containers Box 1 , Folder 35 Box 1 , Folder 35 , Item 3 Scope and Contents An image of the Easter Bunny giving an unidentified boy an Easter basket at an event
hosted by ACC-PARC.
Clapp Accepting a Check , July 6, 1964
Containers Box 1 , Folder 35 Box 1 , Folder 35 , Item 4 Scope and Contents An image of Clapp (right) accepting a check from the Development and Work Center for
the Adult Trainables, Inc. to develop a workshop to teach individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities skills they need to live
independently.
Clapp at Podium , April 26, 1971
Containers Box 1 , Folder 35 Box 1 , Folder 35 , Item 5 Scope and Contents An image of Clapp standing next to an unidentified man at the podium for an
unidentified event.
Pat Clapp and Dale Metz , c. 2000-2015
Containers Box 1 , Folder 35 Box 1 , Folder 35 , Item 6 Scope and Contents An image of Clapp and Dale Metz, a loaned executive for United Way, at an
unidentified event.
News Clippings and Personal Notes , 1952-1994
Containers Box 1 , Folder 36 PARC Correspondence - From Box 1, Folder 5 - Restricted , 1972-2013
Containers Box 2 , Folder 1 Polk Correspondence - From Box 1, Folder 13 - Restricted , 1973
Containers Box 2 , Folder 2 