Charles Best labor ephemera and publications collection, 1936-2016

Acquisition Information

Donated by Charles Best in 2012 and 2016.

Processing Note

Series 1: Publications and Printed Materials, 1962-2012:

This series comprises the bulk of the collection and includes newsletters, newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, booklets, and internal communications from a diverse range of labor unions and advocacy organizations. The materials cover topics such as contract negotiations, strikes, political endorsements, membership news, and broader economic and social justice issues. Significant runs include issues of Labor Notes (1981–1989), Label Letter (1981–1988), Coalition of Labor Union Women News (1981–1996), and the OPEIU Local 8 Journal (1989–2001). Other notable publications come from organizations including the Teamsters, Communication Workers of America (CWA), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Series 2: Ephemera and Artifacts, approximately 1936–2016:

This series consists of three-dimensional objects and printed items that illustrate the material culture of the labor movement. It includes a large and diverse assortment of pin-back buttons from numerous unions and political campaigns, promoting solidarity, boycotts, and specific causes. Other items include keychains, apparel (such as a UFCW meat cutter's apron and a baseball cap), drinkware (union-branded mugs and coasters), textile objects (a banner), and assorted functional ephemera such as union-branded calendars, a matchbook, a mouse pad, and a pocket protector. This series provides physical evidence of union identity, member recruitment, political fundraising, and promotional activities. Best likely collected many of these materials while attending labor conferences and conventions, or as samples of promotional materials for use in his work with the Worker Center or OPEIU Local 8.

Processed by Bianca Rossignol, 2025.