Frances Nimitz Zehmer Papers

Collection

Identifier: 000063

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Frances Nimitz Zehmer Papers contain documents related to Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz’s life, career, legacy, and family. The collection features photographs of Admiral Nimitz’s naval service from his time at the United States Naval Academy and during World War II. It also contains photographs from the launching of the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), the dedication of the Nimitz Room at the University of California, Berkeley, and the Nimitz Library at the Naval Academy. Additionally, the collection includes photographs of old Fredericksburg, Texas, as well as the Henke and Nimitz families.

The collection includes personal letters from Admiral Nimitz to his son, Chester W. Nimitz, Jr., during and after World War II, as well as to other friends and family. It also contains correspondence regarding the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Memorial Naval Museum and photographs from its opening. The collection features magazines, comics, and news clippings about Admiral Nimitz’s naval career and obituaries. Additionally, it includes photographs and souvenir documents from the Japanese surrender.

Dates

Creation: 1890 - 1972

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection in any form must be obtained from the National Museum of the Pacific War's Center for Pacific War Studies.

Biographical / Historical

Frances Nimitz Zehmer, born May 19, 1940, is the eldest daughter of Rear Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Jr., and the granddaughter of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. In 1965, Zehmer married Edwin G. Johns, with whom she had a son, Chester W.N. Johns. She later remarried to John G. Zehmer.

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Frances Nimitz Zehmer contains photographs, documents, publications, and correspondence related to Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz’s life, career, and the Nimitz family.

Arrangement

This collection consists of one bankers box and two oversized boxes divided into 36 folders. Series I: Photographs Sub-Series A: Nimitz Family Sub-Series B: USS Nimitz (CVAN-68) Sub-Series C: Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Navy and World War II Career Series II: Letters Series III: Publications Series IV: Documents

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Frances Nimitz Zehmer donated these materials to Texas Hisotrical Commission in 2011 (Accession number F2011.773) and in 2013 (Accession number F2013.124).