In Memoriam: Adele Ann Lerner (1938-2024)

The Medical Center Archives of NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine is deeply saddened by the loss of Adele Ann Lerner, who passed away on May 30, 2024. Adele was the archivist at the Medical Center Archives from 1972 to 2001, and Emerita Archivist following her retirement.

With funding from the National Library of Medicine and the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, Adele created a professionally organized archival program to collect, preserve, and create accessibility to records from the New York Hospital (now NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital), chartered by King George III in 1771, and Cornell University Medical College (now Weill Cornell Medicine), established in 1898. Thanks to Adele’s efforts, the Medical Center Archives served as a model for the establishment of other health science and medical archives across the United States.

Adele was an active member of many archival organizations and committees, including the Society of American Archivists, Archivists Round Table of Metropolitan New York, American Association for the History of Medicine, and Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference. She was presented an award for “Years of Outstanding Service” from the Women’s Medical Association of New York City in 1991. In 2000, Adele’s substantial contributions to the field of archival management were recognized by the Archivists Round Table of Metropolitan New York, which honored her with the Archival Achievement Award.

Adele’s legacy continues today through the ongoing efforts of the Medical Center Archives to collect, organize, and preserve the records of the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, as well as affiliated and predecessor institutions and personal papers of noted associates, and make these materials available for use by students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Adele received her BA from the University of Rochester in 1960, and her Master of Library Science (MLS) from Columbia University in 1971. She is survived by her niece, Sharon Gratz Fowler, and Sharon’s husband, Richard; her nephew, Rick Gratz, and his wife, Rina; and her grand niece and nephews, Elizabeth, Joshua, Daniel and Noah.