Finding Aid for the Reverend Bonnie J. Berger papers

Repository: Kent State University. Special Collections and Archives.
Title: Reverend Bonnie J. Berger papers
Inclusive Dates: 1977-1978
Author: Finding aid prepared by Liz Campion, October 2025
Origination: Berger, Bonnie J., 1955-2020
Extent: 0.33 cubic feet (1 document case)
Physical Location: 12th floor (May 4 Collection, Box 27)
Abstract: This collection consists of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the Gym Annex Controversy, also known as "Tent City." 
Language: English
Descriptive Rules: DACS 2nd Edition

Biography of Reverend Bonnie J. Berger: Reverend Bonnie J. Berger was a human relations student at Kent State University and graduated in 1978. During her time at Kent State University, Rev. Berger was active in protesting the construction of the Memorial Gymnasium Annex. In 1977, she documented her involvement with a series of photographs. Shortly after graduating, she became a volunteer coordinator at the Portage County's Women Shelter, as well as a spokesperson for the five-woman collective that operated the coffee house, The Tenth Muse. 

She founded the Gay and Lesbian Consortium (GLIC) and co-chaired Maryland’s Free State Justice Campaign. Rev. Berger also became the first openly lesbian member to serve on several Montgomery County boards including the Human Rights Commission, the Police Chiefs Advisory Council, the Partnership Board for Victims of Hate/Violence, and the ACLU.  She was among the first group of county residents inducted into the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame in 2001. Rev. Berger was a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, a political activist, and was an ordained interfaith minister who presided over the first same-sex marriage in Washington D.C. in 2010.

Reverend Bonnie J. Berger passed away on August 14, 2020.

Scope and Content: Reverend Bonnie J. Berger's papers includes armbands, flyers, a journal, and photographs related to her activism surrounding the Gym Annex Controversy. 

Statement of Arrangement: This collection has been arranged alphabetically by subject.

Preferred Citation: Reverend Bonnie J. Berger papers. May 4 Collection. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

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 Reverend Bonnie J. Berger.

Controlled Access Headings
The following are found in this collection:

Subjects:
Berger, Bonnie J., 1955-2020--Archives
Kent State Shootings, Kent, Ohio, 1970
Kent State University. Gym Annex Building--History
Student movements--Ohio--Kent--History
Protest movements--Ohio--Kent--History

Places:
Kent (Ohio)

Occupations:
College students

Functions:
 Activism

Material types:
Photographs
Fliers (Ephemera)
Diaries
Political armbands
Bumper stickers
 

Box 27
Folder -- Contents

1. Armband: "Move the Gym," undated
2. Armband: Peace Sign Symbol, undated
3. Armband: "Support the 8 Demands," undated
4. Armband: Two black and one red armbands, undated
5. Bumper Sticker: "Remember Kent State: Move the Gym," undated, but likely 1977
6. Flyers, 1977-1978
7. Journal, September-October 1977
8. Photographs: "KSU", August 28, 1977
   Scope and Content: 7 color negatives and 25 color photographs of various Kent State University campus scenes including the Pagoda, Don Drumm sculpture, and fenced off areas for pending construction for the Memorial Gymnasium Annex. 
9. Photographs: Gym Annex Controversy, September-October 1977
   Scope and Content: 62 black and white photographs of various campus scenes including protestors gathering near the construction area for the Memorial Gymnasium Annex, police presence, and tear gas.