Bell, Geneva Howard (1905-2013) Papers, 1933-2012
Held by The Filson Historical Society
Creator: Bell, Geneva Howard, 1905-2013
Title: Papers, 1933-2012
Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department.
Size of Collection: 0.19 cubic foot and 1 cassette tape
Location Number: Mss. A B433a
Biographical Note
Geneva Howard Bell (1905-2013) was born in Paducah, Kentucky, to Edward G. Howard and Jennie Howard. She received her early education in the Jefferson County Public Schools system. Upon graduating, Geneva went on to study at the Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute in Frankfort, Kentucky, where she began her path in education. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Cincinnati and her master’s degree from Indiana University.
Geneva launched her teaching career at Kentucky State College (now KSU) in Frankfort, serving as an associate professor of education overseeing elementary school student teachers. She then returned to Louisville, where she taught in elementary schools and later became an elementary school counselor.
On December 9, 1935, Geneva married Dr. Jesse Burnett Bell (1904-1998), the first African American physician at Jewish Hospital in Louisville. Their 62-year marriage was marked by a love of travel, entertaining, and a strong commitment to charitable work and community service. Geneva’s significant contributions include being a charter member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Alumnae Chapter, co-founding the Louisville Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and serving as president of The Women’s Guild. She also held positions on the boards of the Family and Children’s Agency and Louisville Metro United Way, volunteered for the Louisville Heart Association, and was involved with the Louisville Mutual Saving Loan Association. Geneva was an active member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church throughout her life.
Throughout her remarkable 108 years of life, Geneva dedicated herself to serving her community, particularly those in West Louisville, working alongside her husband to ensure low-income children had access to health education and care.
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains manuscript memorandum and biographical information pertaining to the life of educator and activist Geneva Howard Bell (1905-2013), her husband Dr. Jesse B. Bell (1904-1998), and her family members. Information regarding individuals in some group photographs can be found within the Identified Individuals folder. This collection specifically holds handwritten letters and cards and event programs regarding the life of Geneva and her husband Jesse.
Related Collections:
Bell, Jesse Burnett, 1904-1998. Papers, 1924-1998. 1.0 cu. ft. [Mss. A B443]
Bell, Jesse Burnett Museum Collection [2024.16.1-6]
Geneva H. Bell Textile Collection [2015.28]
Geneva H. Bell Photograph Collection, ca. 1903-2005. 1.0 cu. ft. [015PC6]
Geneva H. Bell Museum Collection [2024.17.1-5]
Folder List
Folder 1: Geneva Howard Bell memorandum and correspondence, 1973-2014
Folder 2: Jesse Burnett Bell memorandum and correspondence, 1943-1973
Folder 3: Miscellaneous articles, 1998-2013
Various articles pertaining to both Jesse Bell and Geneva Bell
Folder 4: Miscellaneous letters, 1996-2007
Miscellaneous letters written to Geneva from friends and family
Folder 5: Miscellaneous event programs, 2000
Dedication Service – The Dr. Jesse B. Bell Library, June 18, 2000
Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church
Natalie Denise and Mr. Condrad Miranda Daniels wedding invitation, July 1, 2000
Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church Vacation Bible School, July 10-14, 2000
Folder 6: Greeting and holiday cards, 1972-2012
Cards include birthday, holiday, and handwritten spanning from 1972 through 2012 from various friends and family, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Links. Most are to Geneva Bell, but some are to her husband, Dr. Jesse B. Bell are also included.
Folder 7: Memorial services, 1983-2013
Geneva Margaret Howard Bell, 9 December 1905-10 December 2013
Rev. Dr. Sampson (Former pastor of Mt. Lebanon)
Thelma G. Madison
Jennie Howard, d. 1933 (Geneva’s mother)
Charlotte Gertrude Lively, 1902-1999 (Geneva’s sister)
William E. Howard, 21 September 1907-7 April 1983 (Geneva’s brother)
Barbara Simmons Miller, 1909-2000
Gladys Charlotte Williams Calhoun, 1905-1998
Thelma G. Madison, 1914-2008
Sarah Agnes Howard, 1904-2000
Anna Abbage Hall, 1921-2008
Virginia Kimbrough Williams, 1902-2006
Subject Headings
African Americans.
Activism.
Bell, Geneva Howard, 1905-2013.
Bell, Jesse Burnett, 1904-1998.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Greeting cards.
Links, Inc.
Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church (Louisville, Ky.)
Teachers.
