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SERIES Identifier: UAI 5.150

Correspondence, 1869-1924 and undated, bulk dates 1869-1910, 1869-1924 and undated,, bulk dates 1869-1910

Scope and Contents

The correspondence in this series covers virtually every reportable aspect of Eliot's administration of Harvard University and addresses a wide variety of University-related topics. These topics include: budget appropriations and school financing, academic discipline and regulations, physical plant management, appointments, promotions, and resignations, curriculum development and course improvement, student welfare and behavior, athletic instruction and physical training, the inclusion of women and African-Americans in education, real estate acquisitions, gifts and scholarships, graduate school education, and Harvard University's relationship with the City of Cambridge.

The correspondence documents the growth of Harvard University under Eliot's guidance. Researchers will find reports of various departments describing their activities and development, statistical analyses of a wide variety of University enterprises, descriptions of both student and faculty life at the University, and references to votes of the Corporation regarding many issues.

This series resulted from the interactions and relationships that Eliot had with Harvard University faculty and offers insights into the workings of the school during his tenure as President. It also includes Eliot's comments, criticisms, and evaluations of many colleagues seeking his endorsement for promotion or advancement.

This series demonstrates Eliot's role as the chief interpreter of Harvard University and a prominent public figure and provides evidence of his participation at various social and ceremonial events. Moreover, it reflects his interest in social reform and his philanthropic activities.

Contained in this series is Eliot's regular and continuous correspondence with many people and organizations. Principal correspondents represented in this series include faculty members, legislators, government officials, university and college presidents, Harvard alumni and students, educational administrators, scholars, reformers, and private citizens.

This series is comprised of letters, circulars, memoranda, by-laws, news clippings, lists, reports, petitions, telegrams, pamphlets, brochures, sketches, plans, meeting minutes, photographs, reprints, invitations, notes, postcards, forms, receipts, applications, itineraries, calling cards, letterbooks, and shorthand notes.

Dates

  • Creation: 1869-1924 and undated,
  • Creation: bulk dates 1869-1910

Physical Description

65 cubic feet (151 document boxes, 30 portfolio boxes)

Conditions on Use and Access

These records are open to researchers. Please consult the reference staff for details on how to obtain access. Some restrictions may apply.

Extent

90 cubic feet (205 document boxes, 40 portfolio boxes, 2 card file boxes, 3 microfilm reels, 1 oversized folder)

Arrangement

The Correspondence series has seven subseries:

  1. General Correspondence Group 1, 1869-1893
  2. General Correspondence Group 2, 1871-1911
  3. General Correspondence Group 3, 1877 and 1903-1924
  4. General Correspondence Group 4, 1869-1910
  5. General Correspondence Group 5, 1900-1909
  6. Letterbooks
  7. Shorthand Notes

Processing Information

Charles W. Eliot's correspondence was arranged in a variety of ways when accessioned in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and re-arranged at various times in subsequent years. These different types of arrangement schemes are reflected in this series. In all cases during the 2006 re-processing, the archivist attempted to maintain the original order and integrity of the material. Processing and arrangement details for each subseries are noted below.

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Harvard University Archives Repository

Holding nearly four centuries of materials, the Harvard University Archives is the principal repository for the institutional records of Harvard University and the personal archives of Harvard faculty, as well as collections related to students, alumni, Harvard-affiliates and other associated topics. The collections document the intellectual, cultural, administrative and social life of Harvard and the influence of the University as it emerged across the globe.

Contact:
Pusey Library
Harvard Yard
Cambridge MA 02138 USA
(617) 495-2461