![]() |
Rare Book & Manuscript Library |
Table of Contents
Using the Collection
Note: some material may be restricted or offsite Container ListView All |
Summary InformationAbstract
At a Glance
ArrangementArrangementThis collection has been arranged into 4 series.
DescriptionSummaryCorrespondence, memoranda, minutes, reports, and miscellaneous material including files of Katharine D. Brownell, M.D., 1963-1970; general files of the organization dealing with Hillcrest's relationship to various New York City and State agencies; minutes of the Board of Directors; and annual reports. Among the correspondents are New York City Mayors Robert F. Wagner, Jr., and John Vliet Lindsay.
Using the CollectionRare Book and Manuscript Library Restrictions on AccessYou 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 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. Terms Governing Use and ReproductionSingle 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 CitationIdentification of specific item; Date (if known); Hillcrest Center for Children records; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library. AccrualsMaterials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information. Immediate Source of AcquisitionSource of acquisition--Social Work Library. Method of acquisition--Transfer; Date of acquisition--1978. Accession number--M-78. About the Finding Aid / Processing InformationColumbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library Processing InformationCataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 07/--/1989. Papers reprocessed Carolyn Smith 11/2014. Revision Description2016-10-06 File created. 2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration. Subject HeadingsThe 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. Subject
History / Biographical NoteBiographical / HistoricalThe Hillcrest Center for Children was a city-owned foster care institution. It was founded in 1956 by appointment of the mayor of New York City, Robert F. Wagner. Wagner also appointed the members of the board. Hillcrest was built in Bedford Hills, New York in a converted tuberculosis sanatorium. The center accepted boys and girls between the ages of six and fourteen who were not considered appropriate candidates for state schools, residential treatment centers, institutions for disabled children, or foster family care. Hillcrest also housed children for shorter terms when foster homes or other institutions were unavailable, and then moved them when possible. Despite criticism, the center accepted children of all races and faiths in a mixed setting. It provided medical care, a school (PS#407 Manhattan at Hillcrest), play areas, and activities. It also placed great emphasis on psychiatric care and spiritual guidance and strived to make the children feel safe and included. Children were involved in decision-making processes; for example, both staff and children discussed rules at meetings to create the Hillcrest Code of Behavior. Hillcrest made changes to its program over the years, and struggled continuously with staff shortages. The center closed in 1977. Voluntary child care agency in Bedford Hills, N.Y. Katharine D. Brownell, M.D. was president of the Board of Directors. The Center ceased operations in 1977. |