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Jacobs, Jane, 1916-2006

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1916-05-04 - 2006-04-25

Biographical Note

Urbanologist and architecture critic. Born in 1916, Jane Jacobs attended Columbia University's School of General Studies and became an associate editor at Architectural Forum magazine in 1952. The death and life of great American cities (1961) was her most well-known book. In addition to her writing, Jacobs was also an activist. She was arrested in 1968 after she disrupted a public meeting about the Lower Manhattan Expressway, a project she opposed. Jacobs moved to Toronto with her family in 1969 in part due to her objection to the Vietnam War. She quickly became an influential figure in Toronto and soon after her arrival helped to stop plans for the construction of the Spadina Expressway. Jacobs became a Canadian citizen in 1974 and was nominated to the Order of Canada in 1996 for her work on urban development. Her last book, Dark age ahead, was published in 2004. She died in 2006.

Social Networks and Archival Context (SNAC) Identifier

Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:

David Gurin and Jane Jacobs correspondence

 Collection
Abstract

This collection contains correspondence from urban planning activist and writer Jane Jacobs to David Gurin throughout his career as an urban planner. The collection also includes programs and other materials from conferences and award ceremonies related to Jacobs.

Restrictions on access

Collection is open for research.

Dates: 1963 - 2016

Jane Jacobs papers

 Collection
Abstract

These papers document the work of author and urban planning activist Jane Jacobs. They contain correspondence, clippings, lecture recordings, manuscripts, research material, and notes related to Jacobs's professional life. Also included are date books, awards and diplomas, scrapbooks, and photographs.

Restrictions on Access Collection is open for research. Letters of recommendation are closed due to privacy restrictions. Most audiovisual recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Digital use copies can only be accessed in the Burns Library Reading Room. Recordings on Umatic videocassette are not available for playback due to format impermanence and cannot be reformatted by Burns Library at this time. Please let Burns Library Public Services ...
Dates: approximately 1860-2006; Majority of material found within 1960 - 2002

Robert Kanigel papers

 Collection
Abstract

Research notes and collected research materials by author Robert Kanigel about the Blasket Islands and Jane Jacobs.

Restrictions on Access

Collection is open for research. The two CDs are not available for playback due to format impermanence and have not been reformatted. Please let Burns Library Public Services know of your specific interest; if possible, reformatting will be scheduled.

Dates: 1842-2020; Majority of material found within 1930-2015

Richard Keeley papers regarding Jane Jacobs

 Collection
Abstract

Correspondence between author and urban planning activist Jane Jacobs and Boston College PULSE program director Richard Keeley, as well as drafts of works by Jacobs and recordings of interviews and lectures by Jacobs.

Restrictions on access

Collection is open for research. The audio- and videocassettes are not available for playback due to format impermanence and have not been reformatted. Please let Burns Library Public Services know of your specific interest; if possible, reformatting will be scheduled.

Dates: 1977 - 2005

Seymour Rutkin correspondence with Jane Jacobs

 Collection — Shared_box 1012
Abstract

One exchange of letters between architect and affordable housing activist Seymour Rutkin to urbanologist and architectural critic Jane Jacobs regarding her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities.

Restrictions on Access

Open for research.

Dates: 1962 March10-April 2