Celebrating 140 Years of Ruth Sawyer
In the summer of 1942, author Ruth Sawyer taught a storytelling course at Saint Catherine University. By this time, Sawyer had traveled with her stories, sharing her gift and gathering inspiration for works that would go on to win awards for excellence in children’s literature. Years later, Saint Catherine University’s collection of rare children’s books was named the Ruth Sawyer Collection as a tribute to the author’s contribution to both the University and the field of children’s literature. Now, 140 years after her birth, Sawyer’s connection to Saint Catherine University and her legacy as a visionary woman endures.
The Story of a Storyteller: Celebrating 140 Years of Ruth Sawyer is a digital exhibit of a portion of the Ruth Sawyer Papers—a collection of manuscripts, letters, photographs, awards, and other kept materials gifted to Saint Catherine University after Sawyer’s death in 1970. The accolades, letters from admirers, and rare photographs featured in this exhibit illustrate Sawyer’s lasting impact as an author and proponent of children’s literature. Here, the focus is on the storyteller herself.