New York State Governor W. Averell Harriman Pre-Gubernatorial Files B2342

New York State Governor W. Averell Harriman Pre-Gubernatorial Files

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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

This series documents W. Averell Harriman's business and political endeavors between 1950 and 1954 leading up to his candidacy for governor of New York State. Records include articles, speeches, correspondence, reports, and campaign material.

Creator:

Harriman, W. Averell (William Averell), 1891-1986

Title:

New York State Governor W. Averell Harriman pre-gubernatorial files

Quantity:

1 cubic foot

Inclusive Dates:

1950-1954

Series Number:

B2342

Arrangement

Unarranged.

Biographical Sketch

Before W. Averell Harriman became the governor of New York, he held a variety of positions both domestically and internationally. He was a businessman in the banking industry and worked as Vice-President and then Director of the Union Pacific Railroad in the United States. He also went on to represent the United States as a minister and ambassador to Great Britain and to the Soviet Union. He worked as a special assistant to President Harry Truman for two years from 1950-1951, and was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President in 1952.

Scope and Content Note

This series documents W. Averell Harriman's business and political endeavors between 1950 and 1954 leading up to his candidacy as governor of New York State. The records include printed copies of articles written and speeches delivered by Harriman during 1952 and 1953; correspondence and documents relating to the Thomas K. Finletter study and policy group, 1953-1954; correspondence with Leon H. Keyserling and copies of Mr. Keyserling's speeches and reports, 1953-1954; correspondence with the Council of Foreign Relations, Inc., of which Harriman was a director, 1953-1954; and campaign material, sample ballots, newspaper clippings, and "Harriman for President" press releases relating to the 1952 Washington, D.C. presidential primary.

Related Material

B1947 Campaign records of Governor W. Averell Harriman, contains related records.

Other Finding Aids

Available at Repository

Folder list is available at the repository.

Custodial History

This series was transferred to Syracuse University from Governor Harriman in 1959, and was transferred to the New York State Archives in 2006. It was accessioned in December 2011.