AANA Archives

The main archival collection documents AANA’s history since its founding in 1931. Records include minutes, correspondence, and meeting materials from the Board of Directors and committees; publications and brochures; meeting materials from the Annual Meeting, assemblies, and workshops; photographs; audiovisual items; and memorabilia. The records document all aspects of AANA’s activities, including education, practice issues, legislation, reimbursement, and relationships with other healthcare groups. 

Manuscript Collections and Anesthesia Equipment

The Archives also collect materials on the history of nurse anesthesia, primarily the personal papers of nurse anesthetists and anesthesia equipment. The personal papers include items such as diaries and journals, correspondence, teaching and student notes, photographs, and memorabilia. Many of the collections also contain equipment used by nurse anesthetists. 

 
Thesis and Dissertation Collection

The AANA Archives maintains a small collection of dissertations, theses, and research papers related to nurse anesthesia. These items have been donated to or acquired by the library; it is not a complete list of dissertations and theses written by nurse anesthetists.  

This collection is focused on issues affecting the nurse anesthesia profession, such as education, workforce studies, and job satisfaction, rather than clinical investigations of anesthetic drugs and techniques. To find additional dissertations and theses, ask your library if it provides access to an online dissertation database.

Rare Books Collection

The Archives maintains a small reference library focused on historical anesthesia and healthcare issues. The emphasis of the collection is anesthesia textbooks, some of which date back to the 1920s. 

While we do accept appointments for research visits to the Archives, we recognize that this is inconvenient for many of our members nationwide.  Contact Us.

Be sure to include the following in every request: 

• Full name 
• School and/or hospital 
• AANA member ID 
• Brief description of your project or question

If you have something you would like to donate to the Archives, Contact Us. 

Donations are accepted on a case-by-case basis.  

• Advancing the Art and Science of Anesthesia for 75 Years: A Pictorial History of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology  

• Watchful Care: A History of America’s Nurse Anesthetists by Marianne Bankert
   
• Ira P Gunn, Nurse Anesthetist: Writings & Wisdom from a Legendary Nursing Leader

• A Different Kind of Nurse video