Research Program on the USSR Manuscripts, 1950-1955

Creator:

Abstract:

Manuscripts and publications produced by the Research Program on the USSR (1950-1955). The RP-USSR, based at Columbia University, commissioned manuscripts by exiled Soviet intellectuals on various aspects of the history and development of the USSR.

Extent:

24 linear feet 58 boxes

Language:

Russian , English , Ukrainian , German .

Scope and content:

The collection includes typed and handwritten manuscripts, charts, and related materials on life in the Soviet Union which were commissioned by the Research Program on the USSR between 1950 and 1955. Some of these manuscripts were published by the RP-USSR; the majority of these publications are included in the collection as well. The authors of these works were émigré Soviet intellectuals living in the United States and Europe. As such, the majority of the materials are in Russian, with some English materials (often translated from Russian), and a few items in Ukrainian and German.

Biographical / historical:

The Research Program on the USSR operated at Columbia University from 1950 to 1955. The program commissioned manuscripts by exiled Soviet intellectuals on various aspects of the history and development of the USSR. Its aim was to produce primary sources about life in the Soviet Union while also offering financial support to émigrés.

The Research Program was sponsored by the East European Fund, Inc., a subsidiary of the Ford Foundation. It was directed by Philip E. Mosely (1905-1972), a former diplomat, East European Fund board member, professor at Columbia University's Russian Institute, and cofounder of the Bakhmeteff Archive. Alexander Dallin (1924-2000) and Robert Slusser (1916-1997) served as Associate Directors of the RP-USSR. Many of the scholars commissioned to write reports were affiliated with the International Rescue Committee's International Library and Research Center in Munich, Germany.

Acquisition information:

Manuscripts: Source of acquisition--Research Program on the USSR. Method of acquisition--Transfer; Date of acquisition--1955.

Processing information:

Manuscripts Accessioned 1955.

Manuscripts Processed 12/--/80.

Arrangement:

This collection is intellectually arranged in two series and several subseries. Series I is intellectually arranged into subseries following the arrangement of materials in the subject guide provided in the original finding aid. It is physically arranged in alphabetical order by the author's last name. Series II is physically and intellectually arranged according to the publication number assigned to the work by the Research Program on the USSR at the time it was issued.

Accruals:

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Rules or conventions:

aapm

Related material:

Philip E. Mosely Collection: Papers of Philip E. Mosely, director of the Research Project on the USSR. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Research Program on the USSR Manuscripts; Box and Folder (if known); Bakhmeteff Archive, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

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Collection