Series X: Trustee Biographical Files, 1880-2001

Scope and content:

This series of alphabetically arranged biographical files for former trustees of the University was received by the University Archives-Columbiana Library in the mid 1990s from the Office of the Secretary where they had been maintained over the years. Although these "biographical files" often do contain biographical information, the materials also reflect the duties and responsibilities given to various trustees over the years through routine correspondence about appointments to committees and similar matters. The files in this collection may contain press releases, biographical sketches, correspondence regarding appointments, resignations and meeting attendance, memoranda, meeting minutes, copies of resolutions, reports, alumni association voting records, newspaper clippings, drafts, memorial service materials (including speeches and obituaries), information regarding spouses, and CVs. For very early trustees (18th and early 19th c.) there is usually only an undated biographical sketch in their file. Some of the files contain particularly interesting or notable materials. The Dwight D. Eisenhower file is particularly rich with much correspondence (much original) between the Board of Trustees and Eisenhower concerning his election as president of the university, his concerns upon accepting that position, his leave of absence to help establish NATO in Europe, and his resignation in 1952 to become president of the U.S. There is also material dating from the 1980s and 1990s regarding the use of Eisenhower era materials by researchers and for a centennial exhibition at Columbia in 1990. In the Thomas A. Parkinson file there is correspondence and drafts of the letter to Nicholas Murray Butler urging his retirement as President of the University and outlining the benefits he would continue to receive. The John Pine file contains a list of materials (publications and other paper matter) sent to the University upon his death. The Thomas J. Watson file contains a transcript of his statement regarding Nicholas Murray Butler upon Butler's retirement in 1945. Robert Watt's file contains two reports of the Special Committee Appointed to Investigate the Government Aided Research Program of the University (1956, 1959).

Contents

Access and use

Parent restrictions:

All administrative records of the University are restricted for 25 years from the date of creation. Trustee materials are closed for 50 years after their creation.

The RBML cannot provide access to original time-based media material which has not been first been reformatted for preservation. Researchers are welcome to examine archival time-based media items and decide whether they wish to place an order for Audio/Video reformatting. If copyright and/or condition restrictions apply, it may not be possible to digitize a requested item. Please note that A/V reformatting is handled by an outside vendor and typically takes 6-8 weeks.

The following boxes are located offsite: Series II, IV-IX. You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least three business in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

Parent 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.
Location of this collection:
University Archives Home Page
6th Floor East Butler Library
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:
uarchives@columbia.edu