Research


Scope and Content Note

Minutes of meetings of the Board of Parole held at Auburn Prison and the State Prison for Women (latter through 1933 only).

Through 1929 the minutes consist of transcriptions of interviews with incarcerated individuals concerning their behavior in prison; family relations, prospective employment after parole, and similar matters of interest to the Board. Sometimes letters and memoranda relating to the cases are attached to the minutes.

Beginning in 1930 the format of the minutes changes to a list of cases heard, each entry giving incarcerated individual's name and consecutive number, date paroled or held, date of expiration of maximum sentence, and address to which paroled or reason held. There are separate categories for initial applicants for parole, re-applicants for parole, parole violators, and parole violators from Elmira Reformatory. The Board of Parole was required to hold monthly meetings by the Prison Law of 1909.

Some of the minutes are for hearings on applications for executive clemency.