Call Number:

CDG-A.Johnston, Carla B.

Repository:

Swarthmore College Peace Collection

Extent:

1.25 linear ft. (15 linear inches.)

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of item], in the Carla Brooks Johnston Collected Papers (CDG-A), Swarthmore College Peace Collection

Date:

1979-1987 (bulk)

Creator:

Johnston, Carla B.

Abstract:

Papers of Carla Johnston, who was active in politics, and in working for peace, in Massachusetts, as well as a writer of eight books.

Carla Brooks Johnston majored in religion for her undergraduate degree and graduated with honors in 1961. She was a member of Delta Phi Alpha German honorary society, Student Christian Association, concert choir, Sphinx social club and was also a junior and senior resident. In 1966 she earned her MA from Andover-Newton Theological School and went on to complete three fellowships at Harvard University. She worked as a university professor, was the founder and director of New Century Policies consulting firm, served as deputy executive director of the Union of Concerned Scientists, and worked with Physicians for Social Responsibilty to design and implement a national civil defense awareness program. Johnston was the first woman executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council in Boston, Massachusetts, and served as deputy mayor in Somerville, Massachusetts, in the early 1970s. She was a two-term mayor and council member of Sanibel, Florida, and used her political aptitude to further activism for the environment and world peace. Johnston authored eight books, including Reversing the Nuclear Arms Race (1986), Winning the Global Television News Game (1995), and Screened Out: How the Media Control Us and What We Can Do About It (2000). Johnston had two children. She died on April 29, 2011 in Sanibel.

This small collection of papers covers some of Johnston's efforts to protest against nuclear weapons and convince leaders to ban their use. Large gaps in information exist, but some glimpses into the work of the organizations with which Johnston related is possible. Much of the collection is made up of reference material that Johnston likely read and disseminated to others.