Louis G. Cowan papers, 1885, 1952-1976, bulk 1952-1976

Summary Information

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

Selected materials cataloged; remainder listed and arranged.

• Series I: Correspondence
• Subseries I.1: Cataloged Correspondence
• Subseries I.2: Chronological Correspondence, 1952-1976, and undated
• Series II: Personal Files
• Series III: Cowan, Pauline "Polly" (Mrs. Louis G.)
• Series IV: Manuscripts and Studies by Others
• Series V: Subject Files
• Series VI: Audiotapes
• Series VII: Memorabilia
• Series VIII: Photographs
• Series IX: Printed Material

Description

Summary

Correspondence, notes, manuscripts, documents, photographs, audio tapes, and printed material of Louis G. Cowan. The files document Cowan's activites at CBS and Brandeis University, and in many other capacities. Approximately one-third of the collection consists of records and studies of the Broadcast Institute of North America. The papers also reflect a number of Cowan's various interests such as posters; the earliest item in the collection, a letter from General Charles P. Stone, 1885, is indicative of Cowan's active interest in the history of the Statue of Liberty. Among the prominent correspondents are Jacob Bronowski, Hubert H. Humphrey, William Phillips, and Jonas Salk.

• Series I: Correspondence

• Series II: Personal Files

• Series III: Cowan, Pauline "Polly" (Mrs. Louis G.)

• Series IV: Manuscripts and Studies by Others

• Series V: Subject Files

• Series VI: Audiotapes

• Series VII: Memorabilia

• Series VIII: Photographs

  See Also: Posters, in Subject Files

• Series IX: Printed Material

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies 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); Louis G. Cowan papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Selected Related Material-- at Columbia

Related materials are in the Chilmark Press Papers, Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Accruals

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

Ownership and Custodial History

Gift of Holly Cowan Shulman, 1981.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Accession number--M-59.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 06/--/89.

Revision Description

2020-07-29 EAD document created by CCR.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Biographical / Historical

Louis G. Cowan was Vice-president and President of CBS, Director of the Morse Communications Center of Brandeis University, President of the Broadcast Institute of North America, and Director of Special Programs of Columbia's School of Journalism.