David Bicknell Truman Papers, 1921,1935-1999, 2004: Scope & Contents of the Collection

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The David Bicknell Truman Papers date from 1921, 1935-1999, 2004 and contain correspondence, organizations materials, lectures, books and published materials, an unpublished manuscript, speeches, and memorabilia and clippings. Most materials document his work as an educator and political scientist. Correspondence chiefly concerns his experiences as an administrator at Columbia University (1963-1969) and Mount Holyoke College (1969-1978) and his contacts with colleagues and former students. There are also personal letters from friends describing post-World War II conditions in Japan and Germany, letters by his wife, Elinor Truman, describing the Trumans' travels in Europe in 1962-1963, and letters to Truman from his son, Edwin M. Truman, including one dated March 28, 1965 concerning his father's views of the Vietnam War. Organizations materials consist of minutes, reports, correspondence, publications and invitations reflecting Truman's active membership in numerous professional organizations, including the American Political Science Association of which he served as President in December of 1965-1966. There are also copies of "interrogations" of Japanese officials and other documents relating to his work for the United States Strategic Bombing Survey (Pacific Theater) in 1945-1946. Lectures (1954-1994) and Speeches (1939-1992) chiefly consist of copies of Truman's presentations at professional meetings, Mount Holyoke College convocation and commencement ceremonies, and meetings of Columbia University and Mount Holyoke alumni and alumnae. Books and Published Materials (1950-1965) include correspondence, research materials, and critiques relating to Truman's books and other writings. The Unpublished Manuscripts (1992-1995, 2004) consists of two copies of "Reflections on the Columbia Disorders of 1968", Truman's memoir of the events at Columbia prior to, during and after the student-led uprising at the university. There is a note from 2004 by Edwin M. Truman in the second concerning the use of this work. Memorabilia and clippings (1945-1976) consist of certificates reflecting his membership in various organization and newspaper articles about his career; particularly his years at Columbia University and Mount Holyoke College.