John-Foster-diariesFoster, John diariesGuide to John Foster diaries 2023.061William & Mary Special Collections Research Center staff Special Collections Research Center

February 2023

William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterEarl Gregg Swem Library400 Landrum DrWilliamsburg, VirginiaBusiness Number: 757-221-3090spcoll@wm.eduURL:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2025-05-15 13:32:09 -0400.Description is written in: English, Latin script.Describing Archives: A Content Standard Special Collections Research Center John Foster diaries 2023.061 /repositories/2/resources/9639 .42 Linear Feet 1 Hollinger box 1979-1982 English Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

 Arrangement

The John Foster diaries are arranged into two series: Series I. Notebooks and Series II. Correspondence. The materials are arranged chronologically by date.

 Preferred Citation

John Foster diaries, Special Collections Reseach Center, William & Mary Libraries.

 Content Description

Five handwritten diaries written from 1978 to 1982. The diaries belonged to John Foster, a Hamilton college student in Schenectady, New York. The diaries cover a period of John's life in which he worked a summer job as a dishwasher at the Sagamore Hotel in Bolten Landing, New York and as he studied abroad in Aberdeen Scotland. Within the diaries, John also ponders his friendships and sexual identification. A single letter is also included in the collection

 Conditions Governing Use

Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

 Conditions Governing Use

Photocopies and scans of this collection is not allowed in order to preserve the confidentiality of the subject within the collection.

 Gay and lesbian studies Gay men -- United States Bisexual college students Gay men -- Sexual behavior -- United States Libraries -- Special collections -- Gay and lesbian studies Gay men's writings, American Gay and lesbian studies--United States--History Diaries -- Male authors Diaries Correspondence Series I. Notebooks/repositories/2/archival_objects/5935831978-1981Separated Materials

Five handwritten diaries written from 1979 to 1982. The diaries belonged to John Foster, a college student from Schenectady, New York. Foster discusses his daily life and struggles with his sexuality.

Untitled notebook 1 /repositories/2/archival_objects/5935751978-1979English11"Book Two of the history of John Foster" notebook 2/repositories/2/archival_objects/5935761979English12Scope and Contents

Within this diary, John Foster discusses sexual identification.

Untitled notebook 3/repositories/2/archival_objects/5935771980English13Scope and Contents

Notebook three contains letter to "mom and dad" on page 51, in which John discusses male and female friendships.

Untitled notebook 4/repositories/2/archival_objects/5935781981English14Untitled notebook 5/repositories/2/archival_objects/5935791981English15Series II: Correspondence /repositories/2/archival_objects/5935801981Correspondence from John Foster to Alan Robinson /repositories/2/archival_objects/5935841981-08-2816