Joseph Lyman Fisher (1914-1992), economist, educator, author, and congressman, was born in Salesville, Rhode Island on January 11, 1914. After earning his undergraduate degree at Bowdoin College, Fisher went on to graduate work at the London School of Economics, Harvard University, and George Washington University. In 1942 he married the former Margaret Saunders Winslow.

Fisher's career, spanning over fifty years, included planner for the National Resources Planning Board; economist for the United States Department of State; executive officer and economist for the Council of Economic Advisors; professor; president of Resources for the Future; a member of the United States House of Representatives (1974-1981); Virginia Secretary of Human Resources; special assistant to the president of George Mason University; and president of the National Academy of Public Administration.

In addition, Fisher was deeply involved in community activities, having been chairman of the Arlington County Board; chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA); president and chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG); and moderator and chairman of the board of the Unitarian Universalist Association. He also wrote several books, including World Prospects for Natural Resources (1964) and Resources in America's Future (1963).

Search Finding Aid to Joseph L. Fisher Papers

Research materials in the Fisher Papers include:

• lectures and research materials on conservation and natural resources
• papers and literature from Fisher's congressional career
• campaign correspondence and literature
• appointment books and pamphlets
• George Mason University teaching and administrative papers