Scope and arrangement
The papers (1944-2000) which are contained in 34 boxes are arranged into five series: Correspondence; Professional papers; Miscellaneous papers; Additional papers, 1991-1994; and Additional papers 1978 and 1998-2000.
The bulk of the early correspondence which is arranged alphabetically by name and by subject (i. e., "Family", "Gay friends", "Guam friends", "Lexington friends", "Litchfield friends") is from gay and non-gay friends and acquaintances, professional colleagues, college classmates, lovers, and family members. The bulk of the correspondence dates from 1968 to 1981. Included is a file of typed carbon copies of outgoing correspondence arranged chronologically. The correspondence richly documents Ballard's personal, social, family, and professional life, including his last year of military service on the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk, his job searches, his relationships with gay friends and lovers, his graduate studies in museum administration, his work as assistant curator of the project to restore the Kentucky State Capitol building, and his directorship of the Litchfield Historical Society. The bulk of the family correspondence consists of letters received from his father, his mother, and from his aunt, Margaret Ballard. Included is correspondence (1944-1945) from Lockett Ford Ballard, Sr. to his sister, Margaret, and to his mother while he was convalescing from wounds received while serving with the U.S. 3rd Army in France. Included are a few original letters sent by Lockett Ford Ballard, Jr. to his aunt.
The Professional Papers (1972-1980) consist of papers relative to Ballard's graduate studies at Cooperstown Graduate Programs; his directorship of the Litchfield Historical Society, and his work as assistant curator of the Old State Capitol Restoration project at Frankfurt, Kentucky. The Cooperstown Graduate Programs papers consist of course notes, term papers, syllabi, and papers relative to the preparation of his thesis topic ("The Williams Family Carriage House"). Included are a few photographs taken by Ballard of classmates and of museum artifacts. The Litchfield Historical Society papers, which are arranged chronologically, reflect Ballard's directorship. Included are correspondence with the president of the Society and members of its board of directors; memoranda and reports related to restoration projects (including its costume and textile collection), accreditation, exhibitions, grants, finances, staffing, and other matters relative to the daily operation of the Society. There is also a file of minutes of the board of directors and annual reports of the director.
The Miscellaneous Papers (1968-1981) consist of income tax and financial papers, appointment calendars, a diploma from St. George's School, and other personal miscellany.
The bulk of the Additional papers (1980-1991) [91 M 39] of Lockett Ford Ballard, Jr., consists of a file of incoming correspondence arranged alphabetically, and a file of outgoing letters arranged chronologically. The correspondence, mostly from 1986-1990, is with Ballard's friends, acquaintances and professional colleagues and associates in the field of museum administration. There is also correspondence with his aunt, Margaret Ballard, with his sister, Margaret Stokes Ballard, and with his lover, Charles Richard Burns. Some of the correspondence relates to Kirkridge, a retreat for gays in Pennsylvania, and Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA).
The miscellaneous papers consist of printed ephemera, memorabilia, and lists of names and addresses of friends, acquaintances, and correspondents. There are also a few snapshots and contact prints.
The additional papers [94 M 32] consist of incoming and copies of outgoing correspondence (1991-1994) of Lockett Ford Ballard; miscellaneous files and ephemeral material.
The additional papers [97 M 29] of Lockett Ford Ballard, Jr., consist of his incoming (1979-1997) and outgoing (1993-1997) correspondence mainly with friends and acquaintances arranged chronologically; a few miscellaneous papers; and ephemera including copies of gay newsletters.
The bulk of the outgoing correspondence reflects Ballard's professional work and social activities as director (April 1994-June 1996) of the Geneva Historical Society in Geneva, Illinois; and as director (June 1996-) of the Brown County Historical Society in New Ulm, Minnesota.
The last addition to the papers [2000 M 19] is correspondence, 1998-2000. Nearly all of it is printed emails and chats, with a few letters and cards. The emails concern questions, answers and discussions about body piercing. One box of correspondence contains emails from the LGBT-related listservs Ballard was subscribed to while living in Iowa. The chats, from the website gay.com, are with other members of special interest groups, including "Music Arts and Books" and body piercing.
Also included with this addition is a copy of Ballard's master's thesis with ancillary material.