Ava Wilson, M.L.I.S. (Simmons University, degree conferred May 2026) joined the Center for the History of Medicine between December 2025 and July 2026 as the Collections Services Assistant, with the specific task of creating intellectual control for the Bernard Lown papers, 1921-2021 (inclusive), 1960-1995 (bulk) and the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War records, 1957-2023 (inclusive), 1980-1987 (bulk). Her efforts were made possible by a generous gift from Dr. Lown himself, prior to his passing in 2021.
Dr. Bernard Lown was Professor of Cardiology, Emeritus at the Harvard School of Public Health, and Senior Physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Among other peace activism and humanitarian work, Dr. Lown co-founded the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (1981) and Physicians for Social Responsibility (1961).
During Ava’s eight months working at the Center, she inventoried over 100 boxes, including a large collection of audio-visual material on anti-nuclear activities and multiple poster collections. These materials tell an important story on the history of nuclear activism both locally as well as globally, and present debates and messaging that continue to be relevant today. In addition to inventorying these records behind the scenes, Ava also co-facilitated a tour highlighting records from the collection, which was attended by the Bernard Lown Scholars in Cardiovascular Health Program.
We are grateful to have had this time with Ava, and wish her all the best in this next chapter!