Helen Lucero Papers

Collection

Identifier: WH2029

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists primarily of items associated with the public and activist related life of Helen Lucero from approximately. 1960-1982. Her papers (1960-2005) include letters of acknowledgment, newspaper clippings, job applications, letters of reference, resumes. Also included is a scrapbook (1930, 1975-1982) compiled by Helen documenting her various achievements as well as a photo album of the 2nd Annual "Hispanic Annual Salute" awards dinner (1982). There are some additional family related photographs as well as genealogical information on the Salazar-Lucero families.

Dates

1930-2005

Creator

Lucero, Helen,1930-2005. (Person)
Cordova, Maria-Rita, (Person)

Language of Materials

Material is in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Copyright

All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from material in the collection should be discussed with the appropriate librarian or archivist. Permission for publication may be given on behalf of the Denver Public Library as the owner of the physical item. It is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained by the customer. The Library does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or publication rights of the manuscript held by the writer, heirs, donors, or executors. Reproduction restrictions are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Biographical / Historical

Local activist Helen Lucero was born in Lamy, New Mexico in 1930. After her parents divorced in 1946, she moved with her mother and siblings to Denver, Colorado. In order to help support the family, Helen started working at a laundry before becoming the shop steward and recording secretary for the union of a local box factory. Her union work motivated her to become interested in politics and political activism, especially as relates to minority causes. From about 1960 until 1982, Helen worked for a number of city agencies and was also a tireless volunteer on behalf of hispanic Coloradans. She received numerous commendations and awards for her volunteer work, such as the American Institute of Public Service "Jefferson Award" (1981), "Hispanic Annual Salute" Award (1982), and LARASA's "Founder's Legacy Award" (2004).