Finding Aid for the John S. Hansan papers

Repository: Kent State University. Special Collections and Archives.
Title: John S. Hansan papers
Inclusive Dates: 1970-2000
Author: Finding aid prepared by Liz Campion, April 2026
Origination: Hansan, John S., 1956-2002
Extent: 1 cubic feet (1 box = 1 record storage box)
Physical Location: 12th floor (May 4 Collection, Box 45)
Abstract: This collection documents John S. Hansan's involvement and participation in the annual May 4 commemorative events.
Language: English
Descriptive Rules: DACS 2nd Edition

Biography of John S. Hansan: John S. Hansan was a former Kent State University student and an active participant in the commemorative events related to May 4, 1970. In 1990, Hansan was employed by Ohio Governor Richard "Dick" F. Celeste's administration, working alongside Kent State professor, Dennis Carey. He was integral in planning and preparing materials that informed Governor's Celeste's public remarks, including his sharing of the New York Times op-ed written by Elaine Miller Holstein, mother of Jeffrey Miller. Governor Celeste issued a formal apology during the May 4 Memorial Dedication on May 4, 1990, marking a significant moment of public acknowledgment. Hansan later served as the Special Services Director for Capitol Advantage.

John S. Hansan passed away on July 8, 2002.

Scope and Content: The John S. Hansan papers document Hansan's work in Governor Celeste's administration, particularly related to speaking at the May 4, 1990 commemorative events. The bulk of this collection includes correspondence, clippings, and other documents related to the Annual May 4 Commemorations, and Governor Celeste's participation.

Statement of Arrangement: The John S. Hansan papers are divided into series as follows: 

• Series 1: Celeste, Governor Richard "Dick" Materials, 1990
  • Subseries 1: Correspondence, 1990
  • Subseries 2: Subject Files, 1990
• Series 2: Hansan, John S. Subject Files, 1970-2000

Preferred Citation: John S. Hansan papers. May 4 Collection. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Related Material: John S. Hansan contributed his commentary as part of the Kent State Shootings Oral History Project in 1995, which is accessible online. 

Restrictions on Use: Kent State University does not own copyright to materials in this collection. 

Acquisition Information: The materials in this collection were donated to Kent State University Special Collections and Archives by Tammy Kuntz.

Controlled Access Headings
The following are found in this collection:

Subjects:

 

Box 45
Folder -- Contents

Series 1: Celeste, Governor Richard "Dick" Materials, 1990

Subseries 1: Correspondence, 1990

1. Correspondence: Berkeley, Howard, May 7, 1990
2. Correspondence: Bernholz, Jacob, May 21, 1990
3. Correspondence: Duncan, Laraine, June 13, 1990
4. Correspondence: Grace, Thomas M., June 4, 1990
5. Correspondence: Groom, Merrill, May 18, 1990
6. Correspondence: Hansan, John, May 2, 1990
7. Correspondence: Jesse, Jennifer, May 12, 1990
8. Correspondence: Kubik, Barbara J., May 14, 1990
9. Correspondence: Large, Yvonne, May 14, 1990
10. Correspondence: Moore, Sue, May 8, 1990
11. Correspondence: Risman, William, May 9, 1990
12. Correspondence: Schwartz, Michael, May 9, 1990
13. Correspondence: Sleight, Christine C., May 7, 1990
14. Correspondence: Wadsworth, William, May 14, 1990
15. Correspondence: Woodrich, Mary, May 16, 1990
16. Correspondence: Yale-Peabody, Diane, May 13, 1990

Subseries 2: Subject Files, 1990

17. Address by Governor Richard F. Celeste, May 4, 1990
         Scope and Content: Typed address given by Governor Richard F. Celeste at the Kent State Memorial Dedication on May 4, 1990. One copy includes a handwritten note to John S. Hansan from "Dick."
18. May 4 Schedules and Agendas, May 1990
         Scope and Content: Includes the Governor's weekly schedule from April 26-May 7, 1990, and various schedules and agendas for the Annual May 4 Commemoration events in May 1990.
19. News Clippings, 1990
         Scope and Content: Includes various clippings related to Governor Celeste's address at Kent State University, and other May 4 related events.
20. Press Releases, May 1-4, 1990

Series 2: Hansan, John S. Subject Files, 1970-2000

21. Artifact: Armband, 1980
22. Artifact: Campaign Bumper Stickers, undated
23. Artifact: May 4 Memorial Dedication Badge, 1990
24. Artifact: Practice Nonviolence Paper Ornament, undated
25. Artifact: White T-Shirt, "All Rhodes Lead to Kent State," undated
26. Audio Recording: Governor Rhodes Press Conference, May 3, 1970
27. Calendar of Social Change, 1979-1980
28. Flyers and Ephemera, 1970-2000, undated
29. Joint Resolution, May 4 Memorial, 1977-1978
30. Kent State: Four-Hour Teleplay, 1981 (Folder 1 of 3)
31. Kent State: Four-Hour Teleplay, 1981 (Folder 2 of 3)
32. Kent State: Four-Hour Teleplay, 1981 (Folder 3 of 3)
33. Paper: Hansan, John S., "Governor James Rhodes and the Kent State Shootings," May 19, 1980
         Scope and Content: Contains two copies with various editing notes, along with handwritten research notes.
34. Photographs, 1980-1995, undated
         Scope and Content: Includes various photograph prints and slides of May 4 Memorial, Annual Commemoration events, Center for Peaceful Change meetings, and notable individuals such as Mary Ann Vecchio, Dr. Gregory Payne, Jim Russell, Dean Kahler, Dick Celeste, and Dennis Carey.
35. Publication: "Columbus Free Press," 1978-1995
36. Publication: "3 Days of Peace and Music," 1989