The Leon Shapiro papers (1939-1984) pertain primarily to Soviet and Eastern European Jewry before and after World War II and to the formation of the nation of Israel in personal, research, and published materials.

The collection comprises biographical materials, correspondence, legal documents, audio-tapes, four photographs, writings, newspaper clippings, research materials, oral history transcripts, printed materials, and statistical data.

This collection is organized into seven series:

• Series 1. Bio-Bibliographical, 1940-1984
• Series 2. Correspondence, 1945-1984
• Series 3. Subject Files, 1955-1984
• Series 4. Writings, 1939-1984
• Series 5. Research Materials, 1940s-1980s
• Series 6. Oral Histories, 1974-1979
• Series 7. Printed Materials, 1949-1985