THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE ARCHIVES NAME OF COLLECTION Blackwood, Margaret Dame ACCESSION NO 88/25 & 89/50 CATEGORY ACTIVITY University, Individuals Deputy Chancellor, Botanist and Geneticist DATE RANGE 1899 1987 SIZE OF COLLECTION HISTORICAL NOTE 12 archive boxes, 1 large flat box, 2 A3 envelopes (193 cm) Margaret Blackwood was born 26 April 1909 in South Yarra, Melbourne. She graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science (1938) and Masters of Science (1939). During the Second World War she served in the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) and worked on the creation and protection of the RAAF cipher for the Pacific. In 1946 she became Lecturer in Botany as well as Dean of Women at the newly established University of Melbourne, Mildura Campus. Blackwood won a British Council Scholarship to the University of Cambridge, England, where she was awarded a PhD for her work in plant genetics. Returning to Melbourne in 1951, Blackwood became Senior Lecturer, later Associate Lecturer and Reader in the School of Botany until her retirement from the department in 1974. Elected to the University Council in 1976, Blackwood was the first female Deputy Chancellor (1980 1983) and as such the first woman to confer degrees in the University s 127 year history. Blackwood was pioneering not only in her career as a geneticist but also in holding numerous high ranking positions within the university and scientific community many of which were the first to be held by a woman. She was the first female Fellow of Trinity College (University of Melbourne) (1981), and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law (University of Melbourne) (1983). For her service to education Blackwood was awarded an MBE (1964) and a DBE (1981). Margaret Blackwood retired from the University of Melbourne in 1983 and died 1 June 1986. A comprehensive bibliography, further references and an image gallery is located in the UMA Margaret Blackwood University Leaders Page <Web Link> DATE OF TRANSFER ACCESS CONDITIONS 1988, 1989 Open and 1 restricted file (2/5)
DESCRIPTION NOTE ON COLLECTIONS NOTE ON LISTING Diaries, correspondence, lectures, reports, research and conference papers, society and organisation papers, photographs, negatives, audio, newsletters, certificates and ephemera. This listing brings together two accessions of Blackwood ITEM (2/4) IS RESTRICTED UNTIL 2059; ITEM (2/5) RESTRICTED UNTIL 2041 as they contains material of a personal and/or sensitive nature. have been artificially imposed by the Archivist. The collection has been listed to the file level only. LISTED BY Denise Driver DATE 10 June 2008 2
Table of Contents 1 Academic Research c.1920s 1980s p. 2-4 2 Academic Administration 1931 1986 p. 4-6 3 Societies and Clubs 1913 1987 p. 6-7 4 Women s Auxiliary Australian Air 1941 1987 p. 7-8 Force (WAAAF) 5 Women s Working Groups 1971 1983 p. 9-10 6 Australian and New Zealand 1970 1980 p. 10-11 Association for the Advancement of Science (ANZAAS) 7 Health & Human Relationship 1980s p. 11-12 Consultative Committee 8 Personal Papers 1940 1980s p. 12-14 3
1 Academic Research c. 1920s 1980s te: This series comprises records relating to Blackwood s research in botany & genetics, ranging from her undergraduate years until she was Senior Lecturer in the Department of Botany, University of Melbourne. 1 1/1 Method Book by Ethel McLennan Handwritten tables, graphs and formulae [Burgundy leather bound address book, 14.5 x 9.0 x 1.5 cm Leather fragile] ND, c.1920s 1 1/2 Palaeobotany lecture notes Mar. 1938 1 & 1 & 1 & 1/3 tes on Dieback and Pinus Radiata in Australia with special reference to this occurrence at Werribee, Victoria. MSc Thesis 1938. Includes photographic figures (/2,591 /2,615) 1/4 Identification of Fungus attacking Oputia Includes photographic figures (/2,616 /2,617) 1/5 Mildura Branch tes for 1 st year botany excursion to the Dandenong s, John F. Hanley lecture Australia s Dried Fruits Industry is Empires Greatest. Photographs (/2,577) /2,590) c.1938 Mar. 1939 Sep. 1943 1957 1 1/6 Maize planting book Record of Maize kernels planted each year and the parents they come from. [Blackwood s research on maize continued by Dr Olive Bessie Lawson] Acc. (89/50) 1 1/7 Maize Crosses Volume 1 (1951 1967), Volume 2 (1968 1974) [Blackwood s research on maize continued by Dr Olive Bessie Lawson] Acc. (89/50) 1 1/8 PhD Dissertation B-Type Chromosome in Maize Research notes, undated drafts, publications and correspondence with David Catcheside Apr. 1949 Dec. 1988 1951 1974 Jul. 1947 v. 1983 2
1 1/9 Lectures Cytogenetics. Includes scientific newspaper cuttings (1947 & 1957) 1 1/10 Maize Genetics Research tebook University of Wisconsin 1 1/11 Research tes and letter from Blackwood to Prof, [possibly John Stewart Turner] whilst at the University of Birmingham. Report and letter to Stephen J. Stackpole of the Carnegie Corporation 2 1/12 Odd lectures Catalyst Club, Botany Club, Council of Adult Education, many undated 1957 1958 Oct. 1958 Jun. Jul. 1959 c. 1959 c.1969 2 1/13 Lectures Cytology and Genetics c. early 1960s 1970 2 1/14 Lectures Medical and Dental Biology Plant Section c. early 1960s 2 1/15 Lectures Plant Population Genetics Apr. 1964 1974 2 1/16 Research papers on the effects of time/temperature on the fertility of maize, correspondence, plans for experiments. Includes application for Australian Research Grant and scientific literature (1960 1966) Jan. 1966 Sep. 1967 2 1/17 ABC Broadcast General Science Jul. 1967 2 1/18 Lectures Advanced Genetics and plant breeding, course outlines, newspaper clipping c.1968 c.1974 2 & 2 & 1/19 12 th International Congress of Genetics Tokyo 68 correspondence and passport photograph (/2,618) 1/20 General Genetics Handbook - Lecture Includes photograph (/2,619) Jan. Aug. 1968 c.1971 2 1/21 Maize Research - Canberra Experiments WX Correspondence with University of Wisconsin 2 1/22 Lectures Advanced Genetics and Plant Breeding Jun. 1972 Sep. 1973 c.1972 1975 3
2 1/23 Lecture Genes, Plants & Man (G107, B109) Centre for Adult Education (CAE), includes correspondence 3 1/24 Current AGBOT lectures 606-031, 206, 230 Botany (Agriculture & Forestry Course) lecture notes 3 1/25 Lecture Council of Adult Education lecture notes, reading material, course outline 1972 1976 c. 1975 Mar. Apr. 1976 3 & 1/26 Video proposal The Microscope and How To Use It Includes photograph (/2,620); and The Root squash technique parts 1 & 3 c. 1970s 3 1/27 Pressed botanical specimens in two notebooks Envelope addressed to Dr Blackwood from Mary Bradburn stating Tasmanian Flowers ND 2 Academic Administration 1899 1986 te: This series comprises records pertaining to Blackwood s student and academic administration. Includes correspondence, testimonials, supervision of students, involvement with Janet Clarke Hall, school councils, speeches and photographs. 3 2/1 Scholarship and Grants Applications and correspondence regarding grants and scholarships as well as admission to several universities. Includes photograph (/2,621) 3 2/2 University Correspondence Regarding appointments, study leave etc. 3 2/3 General Correspondence - Includes photographs (/2,622 /2,623) and (CP/2,119) 13 2/4 Testimonials and Referee Reports includes correspondence NB: ITEM RESTRICTED UNTIL 2059 v. 1938 c.1965 Sep. 1931 Feb. 1986 Mar. 1941 May 1986 Feb. 1962 Oct. 1984 4
13 2/5 Supervision Roslyn Angell, Paediatric Research Unit Correspondence, theses and referee report NB: ITEM RESTRICTED UNTIL 2041 4 2/6 School Councils Melbourne Church of England Girls Grammar School, St. Catherine s School includes correspondence, newsletters and ephemera. Jul. 1962 Aug. 1966 v. 1963 Aug. 1986 4 & CP & SL 2/7 Janet Clarke Hall, University of Melbourne Application for coat of arms, correspondence, designs, newsletters, programmes and correspondence with Trinity College, University of Melbourne. Includes photographs (CP/2,123 CP/2,124) and colour slides (SL/122 SL/125) Apr. 1964 Mar. 1986 4 2/8 Newnham College, Cambridge, England. Correspondence and annual college rolls 4 2/9 School of Botany Timeline of Members of the Botany School Staff (1907 1962), correspondence, newspaper cuttings, History of mycology-plant pathology in the School of Botany, University of Melbourne 1906 1968 by D. G. Parbery and Prof J. S. Turner s 25 th Anniversary dinner hand drawn place cards. 4 2/10 Speeches Includes those given at graduation ceremonies as well as those to clubs and organisations. Also includes the Women in Science Lecture, Tramstop. II and the 1975 Chapman Oration to Institution of Engineers 12 2/11 Parchments and Certificates Includes Margaret Blackwood s Bachelor of Science, University of Melbourne (1938), Master of Science, University of Melbourne (1939) Doctor of Philosophy, University of Cambridge (1954); Letter of Admission and Certificate: Doctor of Laws, University of Melbourne (honoris causa) (1983); includes Ada Marion McKay s Master of Arts parchment with wax seal in a metal box affixed with ribbon (1899) Jan. 1966 Jan. 1984 c. 1962 1975 Jun. 1975 1984 9 May 1899 10 Dec. 1983 5
& OSBA & CP & GPN & BWN 2/12 University Photographs Group portrait of seven men and three women in academic gowns, possibly Science Staff. Thought to include Georgina Sweet. (OSBA/631) Photographs and negatives contained in a folder Mildura etc. Taken by Edith M. Packe. (/2,624 /2,698) and negatives (GPNA/79 GPNA/80) and (BWN/1,111 BWN/1,123). Portrait of Associate Professor of Botany Dr. Ethel McLennan (OSBA/6) and (/2,727) (OSBA/6 item 1988.0025.00008) University of Melbourne, Mildura Branch, Staff portrait (OSBA/632) Blackwood performing official duties and professional portraits (/2,703 /2,726), (CP/2,125 CP/2,128) c.1900 c.1910 c.1946 1949 c.1956 1949 c.1970 c.1980 4 2/13 Newsletters University of Melbourne publications including Gazette, Trinity College, 1956 Annual Report, Staff News Australian Federation of University Women - Victoria Apr. 1957 Sep. 1986 3 Clubs and Societies 1913 1985 te: This series comprises records relating to Blackwood s association with clubs, societies and organisations such as the Catalysts and Lyceum Clubs, the Soroptimists International, Beta Sigma Phi, the Australian Advisory Council of Elders and the Wallaby Club 6
5 3/1 tebook recording the association of women graduates resident in Australia from the University of Cambridge, England. Apr. 1913 Jun. 1966 Includes lists names, dates of residence in Cambridge, associated college, current address and other business. Includes correspondence from Principal of Newnham College, Cambridge. 5 & CP 3/2 Soroptimists International Correspondence, conference papers, programmes, certificates, invitations, photographs (CP/147 CP/148), ephemera 5 3/3 Catalyst and Lyceum Club Correspondence, published material Mar. 1965 Aug. 1985 Dec. 1965 Aug. 1985 5 & 3/4 Beta Sigma Phi (BEΦ) Correspondence, published material, programmes, newsletters photograph (/2,502) Oct. 1975 1984 5 3/5 Australian Advisory Council of Elders (A.A.C.E.) Correspondence, constitution, conference paper, undated notebook on welfare and aged-care issues ND, Jun. 1983 Sep. 1984 & CP 3/6 Photographs Wallaby Club Reunion Dinner (CP/137 CP/140), Margaret Blackwood at unidentified club or society events ( 2,503 /2,505; CP/2,120-CP/2,122) c. 1980 5 & 12 4 Women s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (W.A.A.A.F.) te: This series comprises records relating to Blackwood s period of service with the W.A.A.A.F., subsequent reunions and correspondence relating to a history of the W.A.A.A.F. 4/1 Statement of service and discharge certificates invitations, rank sheet, song lyrics, newspaper cuttings, correspondence, returned soldiers fund badge, photographs (/2,507 /2,572, /2,701) 1941 1987 Mar. 1941 Mar. 1961 7
5 & 5 & 4/2 Directories of former W.A.A.A.F. service women, reunions, committee minutes, newsletters, correspondence, photographs ( 2,573 2,574) and ephemera 4/3 Correspondence relating to the history of the W.A.A.A.F. book, co-edited by Clare Stevenson and Honor Darling, includes photographs ( 2,575 2,576) v. 1970 Dec. 1987 Jan. 1982 Sep. 1982 5 Women s Working Groups te: This series comprises records pertaining to Blackwood s involvement as the convenor of the University Assembly s Working Group on Women (W.G.W.) and the Chairman of the Women Graduate Centenary Committee (W.G.C.C.). Many of these files are compilations of working papers, correspondence, notes and the administration of these groups 1971 1984 6 5/1 W.G.W. Correspondence, agendas for meetings, notes, newspaper cuttings, questionnaire, published papers and reports 6 5/2 W.G.W. Reports including the position of academic women in university community and equal pay, correspondence, speeches, notes and newspaper cuttings 6 5/3 Women s Affairs Reports and discussion papers, correspondence, newspaper cuttings 6 5/4 W.G.W. Correspondence, notes, drafts, reports, newspaper cuttings 6 5/5 W.G.W. Arrangements for Women and the University seminar, correspondence, notes and newspaper cuttings Jan. 1973 v. 1975 Sep. 1973 v. 1975 Jul. 1974 Aug. 1983 Jun. 1972 Mar. 1976 Sep. 1974 Jul. 1975 8
6 5/6 International Women s Year Conference Program, letter to President from Elizabeth Reid, newsletter, correspondence from Dorothy Green, Dept. of English, A.N.U. regarding the career of Nina Christesen. Includes Melbourne Slavonic Studies monograph edited by Nina Christesen & Zdenek F. Oliverius 6 5/7 W.G.W. Women and the University notes on meetings, research, correspondence, discussion papers and newspaper cuttings 6 5/8 W.G.W. Summary of the Report on Women and the University, including draft sections, correspondence 1971 Dec. 1975 v. 1978 Aug. 1983 1981 7 5/9 W.G.W. Draft Report and correspondence Oct. 1981 Feb. 1982 7 5/10 W.G.C.C. Conference arrangements, correspondence, speech, notes, newsletters and printed material 7 5/11 W.G.C.C. - List of University of Melbourne Graduates from Who s Who of Australian Women; and the career biography of several notable women in support of their receiving the Honorary Degree, Doctor of Laws, at the Centenary celebrations of the first degree conferred to Bella Guerin, 1983. Includes correspondence, newspaper cuttings and publications 7 5/12 W.G.C.C. Minutes, correspondence, equal opportunities notice of motion, newsletters and lecture Women in Science The Ladies Came to Stay 7 5/13 W.G.C.C. Committee directory, correspondence, conference programmes, address by Marion Adams to the National Council of Women of Victoria s 23 rd Women s Australia Day Ceremony, minutes and newsletters 7 5/14 W.G.C.C. Agenda items, meeting notes, preparations towards the Women Graduates Centenary Celebration Jun. 1982 Feb. 1984 May 1981 Jun. 1984 Jun. 1982 Aug. 1983 Dec. 1982 Jan. 1984 Dec. 1982 Sep. 1983 9
7 5/15 W.G.C.C. Conference programme, lectures & correspondence, notes and newsletters and monograph Books by Women Graduates of the University of Melbourne 1883-1983. A Check List by Mary E Lugton and Margaret C. Murphy 8 & S.I. Audio 5/16 W.G.C.C. Women in Science The Ladies Came to Stay lecture, master audio cassette, lists of women graduates from 1885, photocopies of student cards, notes, correspondence and newspaper clipping item 1988.0025.00011 Feb. v. 1983 Jul. Dec. 1983 6 Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science (A.N.Z.A.A.S.) 1970 1980 te: This series comprises records relating to Blackwood s association with the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science, and her Honorary Organizing Secretary for the 48 th Annual Congress, Melbourne 8 6/1 A.N.Z.A.A.S. Office manuals, constitution, meeting manual 8 6/2 A.N.Z.A.A.S. List of section secretaries publications, newspaper cuttings 8 6/3 A.N.Z.A.A.S. 48 th Annual Congress Timetable and lecture room facilities 8 6/4 A.N.Z.A.A.S. Report on the 45 th and 46 th Congress. Urbanisation 48 th conference publication, reports, section secretary listing 8 6/5 A.N.Z.A.A.S. 48 th Annual Congress Blackwood s logbook diary [Tudor 190pp exercise books, two volumes] 8 6/6 A.N.Z.A.A.S. 48 th Annual Congress Organizing committee meetings, budget, report, minutes, keynote address, notes, correspondence Aug. 1970 Aug. 1972 Aug. 1970 Aug. 1977 Feb. 1977 Oct. 1977 Aug. 1973 Aug. 1977 Jan. 1977 Aug. 1977 Aug. 1975 Aug. 1977 10
8 6/7 A.N.Z.A.A.S. 48 th Annual Congress Schedule for symposia 8 6/8 A.N.Z.A.A.S. 48 th Annual Congress Letters of thanks, publications business records and collections, newspaper clipping 8 6/9 A.N.Z.A.A.S. 48 th Annual Congress Display suggestions, correspondence 8 6/10 A.N.Z.A.A.S. 48 th Annual Congress Draft report on the Congress and future recommendations. Typewritten with annotations in Blackwood s hand 8 6/11 A.N.Z.A.A.S. 48 th Guest, speakers and industry lists, correspondence 9 6/12 A.N.Z.A.A.S. 48 th Annual Congress Giblin Memorial Lecture Wage Determination and Economic Policy by J.E. Isaac 9 6/13 A.N.Z.A.A.S. 48 th Annual Congress Order of proceedings for the opening of the congress, memoranda, correspondence, programmes, budget, speech notes 9 6/14 A.N.Z.A.A.S. 48 th Annual Congress Master File Correspondence, budget documents 9 6/15 A.N.Z.A.A.S. Communication in Science publication on papers given during the 48 th congress, draft of handbook for secretaries, publication and correspondence regarding Blackwood s fellowship of A.N.Z.A.A.S. Dec. 1976 Sep. 1977 Feb. 1967 Sep. 1977 Jan. 1976 Jul. 1977 1977 Jun. 1977 Aug. 1977 Sep. 1977 May 1976 Sep. 1977 Aug. 1977 Aug. 1978 Aug. 1977 Aug. 1980 7 Health & Human Relationships Consultative Committee 1980 1982 te: This series comprises records relating to Blackwood s involvement in chairing the Health and Human Relations Consultative Committee (H.H.R.C.C.) for education in schools, established to advise the then Victorian Minister for Education. 11
9 7/1 H.H.R.C.C. Meeting minutes, council membership list, correspondence, curriculum statement, report on advisory committee 9 7/2 H.H.R.C.C. Curriculum statement (draft), programme of workshop on personal and social development of multiply-handicapped persons, guidelines for schools, correspondence 9 7/3 H.H.R.C.C. tes, publication The Women s Educators Network - directory of members v. 1980 Dec. 1982 Aug. Dec. 1981 c.1982 Feb. 1984 8. Personal documents 1940 1980s te: This series comprises personal papers of Margaret Blackwood PA/115 8/1 Photograph Album Queensland Tour 1936 documenting the school group tour led by Margaret Blackwood. Includes 86 black and white photographs, 4 postcards, a map of Queensland, and newspaper cuttings of the tour. (25.0 x 35.0 x 2.0 cm) Fragile Spine broken. Also photograph (/2506) Item 1988.0025.00001 10 8/2 Correspondence Personal letters from Margaret Blackwood to her mother Muriel Pearl Blackwood while at the University of Cambridge, London; University of Wisconsin, and whilst on sabbatical in New York, Canada and Hawaii 10 8/3 Ephemera Opera and symphony programs, newspaper cuttings, an account of an expedition and other items relating to Blackwood s time at the University of Cambridge, England 10 8/4 Diaries Nine itinerary travel diaries and appointment diaries, for the years 1948, 1959 (2 vol.), 1971 (2 vol.), 1981, 1982, 1981-1982 combined, 1984 May 1936 Sep. 1948 Dec. 1959 Dec. 1948 Aug. 1949 1948 1985 12
10 8/5 Newspaper cuttings on M. Blackwood Includes a newspaper cutting book on Sir Thomas Beecham & Sir Malcolm Mowbray and several illustrations 10 8/6 Member of the Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.) Correspondence, investiture programme OS1 8/7 Member of the Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.) Warrant of Appointment OS1 8/8 Dame of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, (D.B.E.) Warrant of Appointment. Includes letter of recommendation from Vice-Chancellor David Derham, 25 Mar 1982 c.1947 c.1984 May 1964 Aug. 1964 1964 1980 25 Mar. 1982 11 & & CP 8/9 Dame of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, (D.B.E.) Correspondence, investiture programme, invitations and photographs (/2,745 /2,750; CP/2,126 ) Dec. 1980 Jun. 1981 11 8/10 On becoming Deputy Chancellor - newspaper cuttings, letters of congratulation 11 8/11 Obituaries for Mr. R. L. Blackwood, Ethel McLennan, Edith M. Packe and Mrs Muriel P. Blackwood, includes correspondence with The Classical Association of Victoria, regarding the M. P. Blackwood memorial fund c. 1980 1926 May 1984 11 & & CP 8/12 Miscellaneous Items Includes passports (one British, one Australian), correspondence, newspaper cuttings, notes, photocopies, conference ephemera, maps of Scandinavia. Includes photographs (/2,699 /2,700, /2,702, /2,728 /2,744), (BWN/1,124 BWN/1,125), (CP/149, CP/2,129 CP/2,137) and negative (CN/20) Item 1988.0025.00005 c.1940 c.1983 11 8/13 Financial Personal papers Jun. 1955 May 1983 13
12 8/14 Maps Two hand drawn maps of travel itineraries around Victoria, entitled Trip in Bet and Trip in Hen 11 8/15 Corstorphine House, Tecoma, Victoria Visitor s book for 10 McNichol Road, Tecoma, includes a Tree Planting Register for 1951 1983 12 8/16 Blueprint plan for 10 McNichol Road, Tecoma. Shire of Fern Tree Gully (OS) Aug. 1936 May 1937 1951 1983 Feb. 1952 E N D 14