William B. Welsh papers, 1819-1956, bulk 1952-1956
Collection context
- Creator:
- Welsh, William B., 1924-2015
- Abstract:
- The collection contains the papers of William B. Welsh, who served as a research and legislative assistant to Herbert H. Lehman when he was a New York senator.
- Extent:
- 4 linear feet 9 document boxes 1 half-size document box
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The papers of William B. Welsh, research and legislative aide to U.S. Senator Herbert H. Lehman of New York, contain research files on eight subjects; civil rights, housing discrimination, communism, Constitutional amendments, immigration, Joseph McCarthy, the Refugee Relief Act, tidelands, and Vietnam. Materials include correspondence, memoranda, clippings, and research material.
- Biographical / historical:
-
William Brownlee Welsh was born on September 18, 1924 in Munfordville, Kentucky, the son of Mary Cox Welsh and Benjamin Tibbits Welsh. He grew up near Berea, Kentucky and attended Berea College, leaving during his sophomore year to serve in the 66th Infantry during World War II. He returned to college after the war, but took another break from his studies to help create the National Student Organization. He was elected its first president and spent a year in Madison, Wisconsin, struggling in particular with the question of racial integration, which the organization supported after much debate. He finished his senior year at Berea College in 1947.
After college, Welsh received a fellowship to the Southern Regional Training Program in Public Administration, a master's program offered through partnership between the University of Alabama, University of Tennessee, and University of Kentucky. The program gave him the opportunity to sit in on the senate of the Alabama state legislature. After graduating he went to the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University to study for a doctorate, and at the recommendation of a dean he went to work as an assistant to New York senator Herbert Lehman as soon as he finished his degree. He worked closely with Lehman's assistant Julius Edelstein.
After Lehman retired, Welsh served as research director for the Democratic National Committee, He then worked as an administrative assistant to Senator Phil Hart and later an assistant to Vice President Hubert Humphrey.
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); William B. Welsh papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- 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