Charles Lietwiler transportation collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

The copyright and related rights status of this collection have not been evaluated (See http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/)

Materials created prior to 1925 are in the Public Domain. These materials have no known restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Charles Lietwiler transportation collection, C0324, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Summary

Extent:
33.0 Linear Feet 40 boxes, 2 map cases
Creator:
Lietwiler, Charles
Abstract:
This collection contains Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) materials relating to the foundation and construction of the Metro, information regarding American and international mass transit systems, and photographs taken by Charles Lietwiler.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Charles Lietwiler transportation collection, C0324, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The Charles Lietwiler transportation collection contains Lietwiler's work on the founding of Metro at the Airlie Conferences in 1967. An avid photographer, Lietwiler diligently photographed its construction and opening ceremonies. The collection also represents his work with a variety of other organizations, such as the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, where he held a senior position. Lietwiler was a well-traveled man, collecting a variety of souvenirs on his trips. A plurality of the collection relates to his work as an amateur photographer and filmmaker.

Series 1: Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (1960-1990s): This series contains Lietwiler's work on the founding of Metro, including his work at the Airlie Conferences of 1967. Materials include: Analytical reports by various organizations such as the U.S. Department of Transportation, Metrobus and rail schedules, and published materials such as Metro Memos. It also contains Metro-related photographs taken by Lietwiler.

Series 2: United States Mass Transit (1932-2000): This series contains Lietwiler's work with other American transit organizations, including planning materials and analysis reports, as well as published materials, such as the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission Newsletter.

Series 3: International Mass Transit (1903-1992): This series contains published journals and newspapers examining international transportation systems, analytical reports on Japanese rail systems, and maps/brochures collected on Lietwiler's many trips.

Series 4: Slides and Photographs (1950s-1990s): This series contains all non-WMATA related photographs taken by Lietwiler, both personal and transit-related. Transit-related photographs usually depict transit systems embedded in cities and towns, while personal photography showcases nature or family gatherings. This series contains three subseries. Subseries 4.1: United States mass transit photographs. Subseries 4.2: International mass transit photographs. Subseries 4.3: Personal photos.

Series 5: Audio and Video reels (1960s-1970s): This series contains Lietwiler's work as an amateur filmmaker, mostly from his personal travels.

Series 6: Maps and Blueprints (1950s-1960s): This series contains 56 maps of Washington, D.C., 26 blueprints, and 41 topographical maps of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Biographical / historical:

Charles J. Lietwiler was born in Gallipolis, Ohio on August 22, 1933. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington in 1955, and a Master of Arts degree in Business Administration in Transportation from the George Washington University in 1966. Lietwiler served as a regional transit planner throughout his professional career. Within the D.C. Metropolitan area, he held various positions with the federal government, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Metropolitan Planning Association. Lietwiler also worked with the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission where he served as the Senior Transportation Planner beginning in 1965. He took part in the Airlie conferences in 1967, where local officials and transit experts created the D.C. Metro system. Lietwiler performed research for the U.S. Army Reserve Transportation Railway Service, and was an amateur photographer and filmmaker.

Acquisition information:
Donated by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission on September 20, 2018.
Processing information:

Processing completed by Christopher Babbitt in March 2020. EAD markup completed by Christopher Babbitt in March 2020. Finding aid updated by Amanda Menjivar in October 2022.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in into six series:

Series
  1. Series 1: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 1960-1990s (Boxes 1-4)
  2. Series 2: United States mass transit, 1932-2000 (Boxes 5-7)
  3. Series 3: International mass transit, 1903-1992(Boxes 7-9)
  4. Series 4: Slides and photographs, 1950s-2005 (Boxes 10-39)
  5. Series 5: Audio and video reels, 1960s-1970s (Box 40)
  6. Series 6: Maps and blueprints, 1950s-1960s (Map Cases 35.3 - 35.4)
Physical / technical requirements:

The Special Collections Research Center does not have the equipment necessary to watch reel-to-reel film and audio contained in Series 5. Additional time and money may be required to digitize this material for access.

Physical location:
R 72, C 1, S 1 - R 72, C 2, S 3 Map Cases 35.3 - 35.4
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard