Bill Ayers & Bernardine Dohrn’s Personal Archive Lot
A Rare Collection of Historic and Intimate Memorabilia
$2500.00
Out of stock
This incredibly rare collection brings together some of the most personal and significant artifacts from the lives of Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, two of America’s most prominent radicals. The items in this lot provide a deeply personal glimpse into the lives of a couple who have shaped American counterculture and political thought over the past 50 years. From Bill’s childhood book to legal documents marked up during their years in hiding, this lot is a treasure trove of radical history and intimate family memories.
What’s Included:
The Little Engine That Could:
This heavily worn, original edition of The Little Engine That Could was Bill Ayers’ favorite childhood book. The faded cover, frayed edges, and visible signs of age reflect a lifetime of love and preservation. This book would have been a source of inspiration during his early years and perhaps even a guiding metaphor for his perseverance in activism.
Handmade Children’s Book by Bernardine Dohrn – “The Life of Sweet Chesa”:
A unique, handmade scrapbook by Bernardine Dohrn, dedicated to their child, Chesa Boudin. The book, titled “The Life of Sweet Chesa – 12 Months to Your Second Birthday”, is a heartfelt, intimate document chronicling Chesa’s early years. Filled with handwritten notes, photographs, drawings, and memories, this one-of-a-kind artifact captures a side of Dohrn rarely seen by the public: her role as a devoted mother and caregiver. The level of personal detail in this book makes it an irreplaceable piece of Ayers-Dohrn family history.
California Law Review (September 1973) – Annotated by Bill Ayers:
This rare volume, “The Unnecessary Crime of Conspiracy”, is filled with handwritten notes and underlined passages by Ayers and possibly Dohrn, dating back to when the couple was on the FBI’s Most Wanted List. It provides a unique glimpse into the legal strategies and thought processes of the couple during their years on the run. The document’s topic—conspiracy laws—directly relates to their own charges during that period, making it an invaluable resource for historians and collectors.
Public Enemy: Confessions of an American Dissident (Signed by Bill Ayers):
This signed copy of Ayers’ book, Public Enemy, documents his life, thoughts, and reflections on being a radical in America. Ayers’ inscription is a personal touch that connects this book to his broader narrative of resistance and activism.
Life in the Iron Mills (Signed by Bernardine Dohrn):
This signed copy of Life in the Iron Mills by Rebecca Harding Davis, with a biographical interpretation by Tillie Olsen, is not only a powerful piece of literature but also significant in understanding Dohrn’s intellectual influences and interests. Her signature adds a layer of intimacy, transforming the book into a cherished personal artifact.
Digital Camera with Memory Cards – Contains Unseen Photographs:
This digital camera, still loaded with memory cards, holds an unseen photographic archive of Ayers and Dohrn’s lives. The potential value of the images contained—whether personal moments or glimpses into their work and travels—makes this camera an extraordinary find. Owning this is akin to discovering a hidden chapter in the life of one of America’s most fascinating couples.
Four Pages of Handwritten Notes by Bernardine Dohrn:
These handwritten notes provide insight into Dohrn’s thought process, planning, and ideas during a significant time in their lives. Whether related to their activism or daily reflections, these pages serve as a direct link to her mindset during a period of upheaval and change.
Wool Gloves and a Laminated Guest Pass from a Speaking Event:
Included are a pair of well-used wool gloves and a laminated guest pass marked “DAC Invited Guest” from a public event attended by Ayers and Dohrn. The gloves, a practical item, hint at the many marches, rallies, and outdoor gatherings they attended, while the pass reflects their continued engagement in public discourse.
Why This Archive Lot Matters: Each item in this collection is a testament to the life and legacy of two of America’s most controversial and influential figures. Together, they paint a rich, nuanced portrait of the couple’s journey from radical fugitives to respected educators and public intellectuals. The items range from deeply personal family mementos to historically significant documents, all providing invaluable context to the complex narrative of Ayers and Dohrn’s lives.
Provenance and Authenticity:
From the Ayers-Dohrn Estate: Acquired directly from an estate sale held by Bill Ayers and advertised on Twitter. The lot comes with a certificate of authenticity embossed with the stamp: “From the home of Bernardine Dohrn and Bill Ayers”, featuring the Weather Underground’s emblem and the phrase: “All Power to the People.”
Connection to Radical History: These artifacts are intimately linked to two figures who helped shape America’s political landscape, offering collectors and historians a chance to own and study rare primary materials from their lives.
Value and Market Estimate: Standard items like childhood books, handmade journals, and law reviews might typically hold modest value. However, due to the direct connection to Ayers and Dohrn, and the unparalleled nature of their history, this lot’s estimated value is $2,500 to $5,000. The unique combination of personal, signed books, historic legal documents, and potentially unseen photographs makes this collection highly desirable to collectors of radical history and counterculture memorabilia.
Imagine Displaying or Using This Archive in Your Collection: Picture these items preserved in a display case, their stories shared with guests and family, or used as primary sources for research into one of the most radical and tumultuous periods in American history. This archive is more than just a collection—it’s a piece of living history that continues to resonate with the spirit of activism.
Own a Rare and Historic Archive from the Lives of Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn—all proceeds from this sale support Shane Bugbee’s upcoming book, Bomb Ass Recipes from the Kitchen of Bill Ayers & Bernardine Dohrn, and the launch of his independent publishing house, Ink Flower Fun Fountain.
Act quickly—this lot is a unique opportunity to acquire a curated collection of radical American history that will not be offered again.
Accepting your best offers on all items - Let's make a deal!!
Certificate of Authenticity
Each item in this exclusive collection of Unique Artifacts has been personally curated from the home of American revolutionaries Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn. Spanning their long careers as activists and radical organizers, these rare pieces are more than just collectibles—they’re tangible pieces of history that bear witness to a life of resistance, community building, and defiance against the status quo.
Every item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity featuring an embossed stamp that reads: “From the Home of Bernardine Dohrn & Bill Ayers,” accompanied by the Weather Underground logo and the powerful phrase “Power to All People.” This stamp certifies the provenance of these historically significant items, ensuring their authenticity and preserving the legacy of two individuals who helped shape American political activism.
Whether it’s a well-worn political pamphlet that fueled the fires of rebellion or a personal artifact from their private collection, this certificate guarantees that you’re holding a genuine piece of radical history.