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Correspondence between Nicholas Murray Butler, president of Columbia University from 1902 to 1945 and high level University administrators. Butler was one of the most influential figures at the University from the 1890s throughout the first half of the 20th century -- a critical period of development for the University. Prior to his appointment as president, Butler served as dean of the Faculty of Philosophy. Following his retirement in 1945 he continued to serve as president emeritus and a trustee of the University. As dean of the Faculty of Philosophy during the administration of President Seth Low (1890-1901), Butler was a major force behind the transformation of Columbia College into a University. As president, Butler led the University during one of its greatest periods of growth and change. Butler was intimately involved in numerous details of developing and administering the institution. The correspondence relates to a wide range of subjects involving the development, mission, organization, administration, facilities, finances, faculty, and student body of the University. However, the materials are not a comprehensive record of Butler's presidency. His administration can be understood more fully by also reading the correspondence of the trustees, deans, and other top administrators who held office during Butler's presidency.

In this interview, Eric Foner describes his experience at Columbia University, first as a student and later as a faculty member. He begins with a description of Columbia at the time of his undergraduate and graduate years, from 1959 to 1969. Foner discusses the state of the history department during this period. After his return to Columbia in 1982, Foner describes the arrival of Professor Elizabeth Blackmar, the first female history professor at Columbia. Foner recalls early conversations with Blackmar regarding the integration of women's studies into the history curriculum and names Blackmar as the crucial connection between history and IRWGS. Foner locates these goals within a larger shift at Columbia, citing the inclusion of female undergraduates in 1983. Foner continues to see institutes such as IRWGS, the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, and the Institute for Research in African-American Studies as crucial agents in diversifying Columbia's intellectual community.