Never a Spectator

After a career spanning of 60 years dedicated to a better society through civic, community, and political engagement – Elsie was the subject of an in-depth case study developed by the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Politics. With access to Mrs. Hillman herself, close friends and colleagues, and a wealth of archival material, Never a Spectator: The Political Life of Elsie Hillman (PDF) by Kathy McCauley was released in Spring 2012. The case study focuses on Elsie’s political career – and her ability to both compromise and cultivate meaningful friendships and coalitions, as the basis for her success in both political and civic arenas.

With the completion of Never a Spectator, her personal papers – documenting a rich political and civic career – came to the Archives Service Center of the University of Pittsburgh's Library System in 2013. The papers consist of correspondence, newspaper clippings, speeches, notes, and audio-visual material. It is open to the public to use for scholarship and research. Additionally, a portion of the collection’s content has been digitized and is available to view online.