Foundation of New York State Nurses
Bellevue Alumnae Center for Nursing History
Finding Aid for the
Eileen Bonner Papers and Memorabilia (1947-2012)
MC 24
Volume: 10.7 cubic feet
Acquisition: The items in this collection were donated in multiple accessions from 1994-2013 by Eileen Bonner and her estate.
Access: This Collection is open to the public by appointment.
Language: English
Dates: 1938-2011
Preferred Citation: Eileen Bonner Papers and Memorabilia (MC24), Bellevue Alumnae Center for Nursing History, Center for Nursing at the Foundation of NYS Nurses, Guilderland, NY
Copyright: Please consult the repository for information about the duplication or publishing of any materials from this collection.
Finding Aid compiled by Amanda Partridge, Graduate Student
University at Albany, SUNY
March 2018
Foundation of New York State Nurses
The Veronica M. Driscoll Center for Nursing
2113 Western Avenue, Suite 1
Guilderland, NY 12084
518-456-7858
Biographical Sketch
Eileen Bonner was born in 1928 in Brooklyn, NY. With an IQ around 160 she was a genius. After high school, she joined the Cadet Nurses Corp. 1948 she earned her first nursing degree before continuing to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and two masters; one in Counseling and the other in Nursing Administration. In addition to attending classes, Bonner worked and taught classes. Her first class was Operating Room Nursing.
In 1976, Bonner traveled to the U.S. Army Academy of Health Science in Texas. She, then spent some time at Polk County Hospital in Corrigan, TX as an administrator. She returned to the East Coast to work administrative roles in hospitals throughout the New York City area. Other career highlights include her appointment to the Veterans Administration Advisory Committee on Environmental Hazards and was a member of the New York State Senator’s Legislative Advisory Committee.
Bonner entered the U.S. Army Reserves as a 2nd lieutenant. She was promoted to Colonel in 1974. In the reserves she was an instructor, Education Coordinator, a Nurse Recruiter, and Retention Coordinator. Also, she was Director of Schools and Chief Nurse in Hospitals and Medical BDE. She retired from the Military in 1988. In 2012, Bonner passed away.
In addition to her professional and military work, Bonner was active in military and professional associations. She was the first woman to be elected President of the Reserve Officers Association (ROA) in 1984-1986. She represented the United States at the International Confederation of Reserve Officers Associations, as well as sat on local, state and national committees of the ROA. Bonner was elected President of Association of Military Surgeons of the United States and 3rd Vice-President of the 77th US Army Reserve Command Association. Bonner’s nursing associations include the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA). She was a member of NYSNA for over 25 years, serving on the board, and numerous committees between 1965-1967. Other associations Bonner was involved with was The American Red Cross, Alumni Associations of the schools she attended, MENSA and the American Association for the History of Nursing. At Nurses House, Inc. Bonner was not only a member but also sat on their Board of Directors and was a member of the Development Committee.
Scope and Content Notes
This collection contains records and artifacts that reflect the dedication and accomplishments Eileen Bonner made throughout her professional and military careers. It is clear nursing was her life. Her records include materials gathered and used during her time as Director or Associate Director at Hospitals around New York City. Pamphlets, publications and memorabilia from some of the numerous associations she belonged to. Campaign posters from her election as first female president of the Reserve Officers of America are also included. The collection contains school work from her time at Colgate, photographs and textiles.
Not included are her military records or much documentation detailing her duties and responsibilities during her enlistment. The collection contains more information about the organizations she was involved in in her professional and military careers than about her personal life and her involvement in these associations. It is not unusual for nurses of this time period to want to highlight the nursing profession more than their own personal lives. The many awards and recognitions though, give some insight into how important and accomplished she was.
Arrangement Note
This collection had little to no original order, so an order was imposed on them to facilitate their use. Books in her collection were added to the Library at the Bellevue Alumnae Center for Nursing History.
Processing Note:
Collection was processed by Amanda Partridge, 2018.
Access
There are no access restrictions on this collection
Series Description
Series 1: Professional Papers 1938-2010
This Series documents some of the materials Eileen used during her time directing various nursing departments in hospitals around New York City. The records include policy manuals, a collection of forms used in the nursing profession, and handbooks. Many of the documents show Eileen’s revisions and updates to the materials.
Series 2: Professional Associations 1960-2009
Eileen was a member or volunteer of many professional organizations. These records contain materials from the American Nurses Association, the New York Nurses Association, Nurses House, Nurses Association of the Counties of Long Island and the Fort Hamilton Alumni Association. There are pamphlets, newsletters and publications by the organizations along with a few correspondences to and from Eileen. Also included are awards Eileen received as a member of these organizations.
Series 3: Military Associations 1974-2011
This series contains materials various associations Eileen was a part of during her long military career. Included are pamphlets, newsletter, calendars, and publications for the Reserve Officers Association, Nurses Cadet Corp, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, and the Retired Army Nurses Association. Packets and information Eileen received from the Women’s Memorial in Washington, DC in 1997 are also a part of this series. In addition, the abundance of medals, awards and patches bestowed upon Eileen are included as well as her military uniforms. The military uniforms cover multiple eras, from modern fatigues to a style worn by women in the 1950’s.
Series 4: Education 1977-1978
This is a small series of papers collected by Eileen during her time at Teachers College, Columbia University. The records include papers and projects completed by Eileen as well as notes and learning materials used in class.
Series 5: Photographs 1955-2000
This series has both photos of Bonner and photos taken by Bonner at professional and military events over the years.
Box and Folder List
See Finding Aid at: https://www.foundationnysnurses.org
Related Material
Records on New York State Nurses’ Military Service- Bellevue Alumnae Center for Nursing History
ANA-NY Collection- Bellevue Alumnae Center for Nursing History
Cadet Nurse Corps Files, 1943 – 1948- National Archives
Subject Terms:
Armed Forces — Reserves
Nursing school administrators
Nursing administrators — education
Mensa
Reserve Officers Association of the United States
Faculty, Nursing
Nurses
Nursing Staff, Hospital
8th Medical brigade — Fort Hamilton (New York)
Eileen Bonner Papers and Memorabilia 