Wurf, Mildred Kiefer

Jerry and Mildred Wurf Papers

jruss — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:42:33 -0400

Jerry Wurf started his work in AFSCME in New York's Council 37, becoming executive director by 1959. He went on to serve as AFSCME International president from 1964 until his death in 1981. He also served as a vice-president of the AFL-CIO. Throughout his career, Wurf was actively involved in campaigns for civil liberties; anti-nuclear and peace movements; workers' education, health, and rights; Jewish concerns; and domestic politics, especially related to the Democratic Party.

Mildred Kiefer Wurf began work at AFSCME Council 37 in New York in 1951 as a researcher and writer. She was heavily involved with worker education programs and training union stewards. Mildred and Jerry married in 1960.

Jerry Wurf's papers relate both to his professional work with Council 37 and as AFSCME president, and to his efforts for civil and workers' rights. His papers also contain correspondence with a great number of prominent union, political, and civil rights leaders of his era. Mildred Wurf's papers, which constitute the last series of this collection, reflect her interest in labor education.

(11406) 1966 AFSCME Convention

pneirink — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:24:03 -0400

AFSCME first lady Mildred Wurf chats with delegates from Wisconsin, Malcolm Emerson, Elmer Hoesly, and Harmon Skowen, at the 1966 AFSCME Convention in Washington, D.C.

(11418) 1966 AFSCME Convention

pneirink — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:36:22 -0400

Fern Chapman (left), wife of AFSCME Secretary Treasurer Gordon Chapman, Esther Peterson (center), Assistant Secretary of Labor and labor and women’s rights pioneer, and Mildred Wurf (right), wife of AFSCME President Jerry Wurf at the 1966 AFSCME Convention in Washington, D.C.

(24817) Wurf, McGovern, Ames

jruss — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:43:03 -0400

Mildred Wurf, wife of AFSCME President Jerry Wurf, chats with Senator George McGovern (center) and AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Ames at an AFSCME Welfare Conference in November 1969.

(27906) Americans for Democratic Action

jruss — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:10:37 -0500

Mildred Wurf accepts an award on behalf of her husband, AFSCME President Jerry Wurf, from Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank at the 1981 Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) banquet.

(30493) Mildred Kiefer Wurf, 1950s

jruss — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:21:28 -0400

Mildred Kiefer (far right) joined the AFSCME New York District Council 37 staff in 1951. She was a researcher and writer and worked on the union's education programs. In 1960, she married Jerry Wurf, the DC 37 leader who went on to become AFSCME president, 1964-1981.

(30499) Mexican union leader visit, 1950s

jruss — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:11:46 -0400

Dr. Florencio Maya, an officer of the Mexican public employees union, visited AFSCME New York District Council 37, where he toured the City's Department of Personnel and City Civil Service Commission. From left: Arnold C. DeMille, director of recruitment and public relations; Theodore H. Lang, deputy personnel director; City Civil Service Commissioner Anthony M. Mauriello; Maya; AFSCME DC 37 staffer Mildred Kiefer; and AFSCME DC 37 leader Jerry Wurf.