Joseph L. Fisher papers

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

Summary

Extent:
64 linear feet (79 boxes)
Creator:
Joseph L. Fisher
Abstract:
This collection relates to Fisher's career as an economist, educator, and U.S. Congressman. The materials include lectures and comments on conservation and natural resources, scrapbooks, pamphlets, appointment books, and correspondence. Materials that relate to his political career in U.S. House of Representatives include correspondence, speeches, press releases, reports, newsclippings, issue papers, testimony, statements, questionnaires, background publications, guidelines, charts, and legislation.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection is divided into two series. Series 1 relates to Fisher's career as an economist, educator, and U.S. Congressman. The materials cover the years 1962-1991 and include lectures and comments on conservation and natural resources, scrapbooks, pamphlets, appointment books, and correspondence.

Series 2 of the collection relates to Fisher's political career in U.S. House of Representatives (1974-1981). The materials cover the years 1974-1981 and include correspondence, speeches, press releases, reports, newsclippings, issue papers, testimony, statements, questionnaires, background publications, guidelines, charts, and legislation.

Biographical / historical:

Joseph Lyman Fisher (1914-1992), economist, educator, author, and congressman, was born in Salesville, Rhode Island on January 11, 1914. After earning his undergraduate degree at Bowdoin College, Fisher went on to graduate work at the London School of Economics, Harvard University, and George Washington University. In 1942 he married the former Margaret Saunders Winslow. Fisher's career, spanning over fifty years, included planner for the National Resources Planning Board, economist for the United States Department of State, executive officer and economist for the Council of Economic Advisors, president of Resources for the Future, a member of the United States House of Representatives (1974-1981), Virginia Secretary of Human Resources, special assistant to the president of George Mason University, and president of the National Academy of Public Administration. In addition, Fisher was deeply involved in community activities, having been chairman of the Arlington County Board, chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), president and chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG), and moderator and chairman of the board of the Unitarian Universalist Association. He also wrote several books, including World Prospects for Natural Resources (1964) and Resources in America's Future (1963).

Acquisition information:
Collection donated by Margaret Fisher in 1992-1995.
Arrangement:

Organized into two series.

  • Series 1: Academic Career/Government Appointments, 1962-1991
  • Series 2: U.S. House of Representatives, 1974-1981