I don’t think I will ever forget the John W. Vinson papers. Prior to processing this collection, I had never heard of rickettsial diseases, which were Vinson’s research focus, and I had never seen some of the record types the collection contained, like telegrams. On top of these firsts, working with the Vinson papers was my first processing experience and my first time working in an archive. I have learned so much, not only about applying archival principles like original order and archival procedures like arrangement, but also about my career interests and goals. I enjoyed every step of working with this collection, from surveying it to writing the finding aid. I am excited to join the Center for the History of Medicine in announcing that the John W. Vinson papers are now open to research, and I am grateful to my supervisor, Rebecca Thayer, and the staff at the Center for teaching and supporting me throughout this experience.

John W. Vinson was Associate Professor of Microbiology at the Harvard School of Public Health (now called Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health). Vinson’s research focused on rickettsial diseases, particularly trench fever. Vinson was the first scientist to isolate and cultivate Rickettsia quintana (now known as Bartonella quintana), the microorganism that causes trench fever. This research contributed to the development of a trench fever vaccine. He received the Hans Zinsser Memorial Award in 1964 for this work.

The papers are the product of Vinson’s research and professional activities during his career. The collection contains reprints of articles on rickettsial and sexually transmitted diseases, correspondence, and research notes on rickettsiae. There are also grant files, materials about international and field research, and records related to the Hans Zinsser Library.

For more information on Vinson and his collection, please view the collection’s online finding aid. For information about accessing the collection, please consult the Center’s website or contact Public Services.