Emilie F. Miller is a local activist and former politician from the Northern Virginia area. An aide to former Virginia senator Adelard Brault (VA Senate, 1966-1982), Miller ran unsuccessfully for his vacant seat in 1983. Though Miller lost a close race (a difference of one per-cent separated Miller from the winner John W Russell) she pointed up sexism as a major election issue. In the next campaign for the Senate seat (1987) Miller defeated Russell. While in office she turned her attention to issues such as funding for mental health and programs for the mentally handicapped, substance abuse, and equality in educational opportunities. She attracted national attention in 1990 when she led the fight to force Virginia Military Institute (VMI) to admit women.

The Emile F. Miller Papers comprise thirty cubic feet, and contain materials pertaining to her service in the Virginia State Legislature. Included in the collection are campaign material, subject files, bills and resolutions, correspondence, committee information, constituent files, and information on the VMI controversy.

For additional information on the Emilie F. Miller Papers in Special Collections & Archives, please consult the Special Collections & Archives staff. The Special Collections & Archives staff is always willing to assist researchers. Special Collections & Archives has a reading room, providing a quiet haven for serious research. Most materials may be photocopied, either by the researcher or by staff, depending on the nature of the item. Telephone or mail requests for photocopies and photographs are handled for a fee on a prepaid basis. Tours can be arranged for small groups, and speakers are available upon request. Some materials may also be requested for use in exhibitions.

Special Collections & Archives preserves and makes available to all students, faculty, and researchers many kinds of original historical and scholarly materials. Major subject areas for research include Northern Virginia, Planned Communities, Performing Arts, Photography, Maps, the Civil War, and George Mason University. Formats in Special Collections & Archives include manuscripts, rare books, playbills, musical scores, audio and video tapes, architectural drawings, photographs, and slides. Among the most important collections of primary source materials are those of notable Northern Virginia political figures.

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