Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Mayor William Baarsma Papers
Date(s)
- 1953-1964, 1991-2009 (Creation)
Extent
9 boxes
6.8 cubic feet
Name of creator
Biographical history
Bill Baarsma was born in Tacoma in 1943. He attended Stadium High School and the University of Puget Sound (Class of 1964) where he studied political science. He obtained a master's degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. where he served as a clerk for Senator Henry M. Jackson and as a White House Fellow with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. From 1968 to 2001, Baarsma taught political science, business management, and public administration at the University of Puget Sound. In 1991, he was elected to City Council and, in 2001, he became the 38th Mayor of the City of Tacoma. During his two terms as Mayor, Baarsma was involved in the development of the Click Network, the largest municipally owned telecommunications system in North America.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
Includes speeches, thank you notes, schedules, and event information related to Baarsma's two terms as Mayor of Tacoma. Also included are two boxes predating Baarsma's mayoral career containing research materials as well as correspondence, campaign materials, and newsletters related to Pierce County and national democratic politicians.
System of arrangement
The original order of boxes 1-4 established by Baarsma prior to transfer has been maintained. This includes four series, each arranged chronologically. Boxes 5 and 6 have been arranged by type and then chronologically.
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Languages of the material
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Boxes 1-4 gifted to the Northwest Room in 2014 by Bill Baarsma. Provenance and acquisition date of boxes 5 and 6 is unknown.
Immediate source of acquisition
Bill Baarsma