Paul Baerwald Papers, 1857-1961, bulk 1907-1950

Creator:

Baerwald, Paul, 1871-1961

Abstract:

This collection documents the life of Paul Baerwald, a banker and philanthropist who served as chairman of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee from 1932-1961. It also includes materials by and about Baerwald's father, Hermann Baerwald, a German educator and historian.

Extent:

1.5 linear feet 3 document boxes

Language:

English , German .

Scope and content:

This collection documents the work of Paul Baerwald, particularly in his capacity as chairman of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee from 1932 to 1961. Materials include correspondence, photographs, speeches, reports, and clippings.

Biographical / historical:

Paul Baerwald was born in 1871 in Frankfurt, Germany. His father, Hermann Baerwald, was Director of the Philanthropin, a Jewish high school in Frankfurt, for 31 years. Baerwald left Germany at nineteen to join the investment firm Speyer & Brothers in London, and in 1895 he was sent to work in New York City. Baerwald became a partner at Lazard Freres in 1907. He met Edith Jacobi in New York, and they were married in 1909. The couple would have four children, Pauline, Jane, Florence, and Herman.

In 1914, Paul Baerwald helped found the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), an international relief organization that provides help to Jews suffering as a result of poverty, persecution, natural disaster, or war. He retired from Lazard Freres in 1930 to devote his full attention to philanthropic work, and would serve with the JDC for 45 years, first as treasurer, and then as chairman in 1932 and honorary chairman from 1945 until his death. In 1949, JDC opened a school in Versailles, France, to train social workers. The school was transferred to Hebrew University in Jerusalem in 1958 and was named the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work in his honor.

In addition to his extensive work with JDC, Baerwald served on President Franklin Roosevelt's Advisory Committee on Political Refugees during World War II. He was a close friend of New York governor and senator Herbert H. Lehman, and they collaborated on JDC projects as well as other public and philanthropic works. Baerwald was also a trustee and founder of the New York Foundation; trustee of the Palestine Economic Corporation; treasurer of the Wollman Foundation; and trustee and treasurer of the Soloman and Better Loeb Convalescent Home.

Paul Baerwald died in New York on July 2, 1961.

Acquisition information:

Source of acquisition--Faulk, Mrs. Myron S., Jr. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--1968. Accession number--M-40.

Custodial history:

Gift of Mrs. Myron S. Faulk, Jr., daughter of Paul Baerwald, in 1968.

Processing information:

Correspondence, manuscripts, notes, speeches, reports, clippings, printed material Surveyed Julie Miller 05/--/87.

Papers processed Elena Locascio, Geneseo College 2012 2009.

Finding aid written Carolyn Smith September 2009.

Arrangement:

This collection has been arranged into two series.

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:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Paul Baerwald Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

RBML Home Page
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535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:: Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.

Contact:: rbml@library.columbia.edu

Collection