Berryman-Johnson, Sherrill

MSRC Staff

Abstract

The papers of Attorney Matilene Spencer Berryman (1926-2003), reflect a legacy of outstanding achievements and accomplishments related to her work as an oceanographer, college professor and administrator in marine and environmental science as well as an attorney. The collection spans from 1964 to 2001, and measure twenty two cubic feet. The bulk of the papers covers the period from 1973-2000. In 2010, Moorland Spingarn Research Center acquired the collection from the estate of the late Dr. Sherrill Berryman Johnson, Berryman’s eldest daughter’s. Berryman's papers primarily consist of documents relating to her educational career inclusive of materials from her graduate studies as well as her professional pursuits as a college professor and chairperson of the Environment Science Department within the University of the District of Columbia. The collection also retains Berryman’s writings which range from poetry to scientific writings, the foremost being the manuscript and printed editions of the textbook she authored entitled, Science of Man’s Environment- Principles of Science and Technology for Environment, Marine, Engineering, and Ocean Science Technology, published in 1986. The collection also records Berryman’s active involvement within various professional and religious organizations which include the National Association of Black Women Attorney’s and Shiloh Baptist Church of Washington , DC. Berryman’s immediate family, her daughter’s Dr. Sherrill Berryman Johnson (professor, choreographer, dancer, scholar) and D’Michelle Berryman (engineer, attorney and creative writer) are documented within the collection through correspondence, writings and photographs among other materials. Dr. Berryman Johnson’s collection is also held within the Manuscripts Division of Moorland Spingarn Research Center.