Karen M. Johnson-Weiner Papers, 1844-2024 | Earl H. and Anita F. Hess Archives and Special Collections

By Emily Erdlen '23

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Collection Overview

Title: Karen M. Johnson-Weiner Papers, 1844-2024

ID: MSS/MSS-0014

Primary Creator: Johnson-Weiner, Karen

Extent: 10.42 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 05/13/2022. More info below under Accruals.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

This collection contains materials from 1844-2024 and spans fourteen boxes donated by Johnson-Weiner in 2022. Additional materials were donated in 2023 and 2024. The collection contains correspondence, photographs, handwritten and typed notes, research materials, Dr. Johnson-Weiner’s published work, and an assortment of artifacts including hats, bonnets, dolls, children’s clothing, and a school bell. This collection includes Johnson-Weiner’s correspondence with Amish and non-Amish individuals, and her research on Amish schools, language, Amish women, the Amish in New York state, and other topics relating to Amish life.

Collection Historical Note

Karen M. Johnson-Weiner, Ph.D. is a linguistic anthropologist who has been studying Amish and Mennonite communities for over 30 years. She is a Distinguished Service Professor of Anthropology Emerita at SUNY Potsdam. Johnson-Weiner received her B.A. from Hope College in 1975, her M.A. from Michigan State University in 1976, and her Ph.D. in linguistics from McGill University in 1984.

Johnson-Weiner has written multiple books on the Amish: Train up a Child: Old Order Amish and Mennonite Schools (2006), New York Amish: Life in the Plain Communities of the Empire State (2010), The Lives of Amish Women (2020), and All About the Amish: Answers to Common Questions (2021), as well as a number of articles on Old Order Amish language, culture, and education. She also co-wrote The Amish (2013) with Dr. Donald Kraybill and Dr. Steven Nolt.

Administrative Information

Repository: Earl H. and Anita F. Hess Archives and Special Collections

Accruals: Additional materials were donated in 2023 and 2024.

Use Restrictions: All researchers must complete a privacy agreement provided by the Archivist.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Correspondence, 1985-2024],
[Series 2: Amish Schools, 1892-2008],
[Series 3: Language, 1969-2005],
[Series 4: Research and Publication Materials, 1844-2022],
[Series 5: Artifacts],
[Series 6: Audiovisual Materials],
[All]

Series 5: Artifacts

This series spans four boxes and contains a variety of Amish objects including diaper bags, dolls, doll clothing, children’s clothing, children’s toys, a school bell, and a mug.

Box 10

Item 1: Swartzentruber Diaper Bag: Large black box with blue lining and strap, used as a diaper bag.
Item 2: Small Swartzentruber Diaper Bag: Small black box with black lining and straps, used as a diaper bag.
Item 3: Small Swartzentruber Diaper Bag: Small black box with black lining and straps, used as a diaper bag.
Item 4: Beaded Children's Toys: A variety of small multicolored beaded children's toys stored within item 3 (small Swartzentruber diaper bag).
Item 5: Wedding Vows: Rolled piece of paper with wedding vows and a picture of a flower printed on it tied with a purple ribbon.
Item 6: Pencil Box and Pens: Wooden pencil box with sliding lid and 'K Johnson-Weiner 308 RI' written on the bottom in black marker. Box holds eleven pens either with information of Amish businesses or details of Amish weddings printed on the side.
Item 7: Ruler, Wedding Favor: Yellow wooden ruler with "Allen & Ruth 11-5-15 Love never fails..." printed in black ink.
Item 8: Doll Quilt: 12"x11" quilt for a doll with blue, teal, and green pattern, green border, and brown backing.
Item 9: Doll Apron: Dark blue, light blue, and green apron for a doll.
Item 10: Baby's Dress: Maroon baby dress with white buttons and short sleeves.

Box 11

Item 11: School Bell: Metal bell with wooden handle, used in an Amish classroom for years by Sue Ann Wickey, given to Dr. Johnson-Weiner after her death.
Item 12: "Amish Lives Matter" Mug, 2021: Blue mug with white interior and "ALM" in white on side of mug. Given to Dr. Johnson-Weiner by the Mose J. A. Miller family (Andy Weaver).
Item 13: Amish Doll, Male: Doll is made of white fabric with no facial features. Wears traditional Amish dress: black pants with suspenders, light blue shirt, and blue winter hat.
Item 14: Amish Doll, Female: Doll is made of white fabric with no facial features. Wears traditional Amish dress: brown long-sleeved dress, white apron, blue cape, and black bonnet.

Box 12

Item 15: Black Bonnet: Wenger Mennonite woman's solid black bonnet.
Item 16: Black Bonnet: Wenger Mennonite woman's black bonnet with floral pattern.
Item 17: White Cap: Women's white cap made of sheer fabric.
Item 18: Girls' White Cap: White cap for young girl made of opaque fabric.

Box 13

Item 19: Straw Hat: Hand-woven Swartzentruber straw hat with black ribbon.