Margaret Cross Norton

Margaret Cross Norton served as the first State Archivist of Illinois from 1922 to 1957 and cofounded the Society of American Archivists in 1936, where she served as the first vice president from 19361937 and president from 19431945. She also served as editor of the American Archivist from 19461949. Norton was recently recognized in the December 1999 American Libraries article naming 100 of the most important leaders we had in the 20th century for her influence and forwardthinking for the future direction and scope of the archival industry.

Margaret Cross Norton was born into a household where civil service and record keeping were of the utmost importance. At the time of their marriage Nortons mother was the Deputy County Treasurer for Winnebago County, Illinois and her father held the position of Deputy County Clerk. Her parents work impressed upon her the necessity of record keeping in the public sphere. Her parents frequently discussed their work with her and her father brought her into work with him often. Between both of her parents professions, the use and preservation of official governmental records became common everyday notions, which undoubtedly influenced Margaret greatly at a very young age.

Source: Wikipedia