Research

New York State Joint Legislative Committee to Investigate Seditious Activities Archibald Stevenson 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:
As the Lusk Committee's chief investigator, Stevenson's records document investigations of attempts to 'Americanize' immigrants in public schools; religious, business and commerce organizations; civic groups; and the National Security League in New York. Records include pamphlets, booklets, and annual reports. Also included are drafts of Lusk Committee final reports; examinations of measures used to combat the spread of seditious thought; curriculum and certification requirements for classes in Americanization and English; and synopses of comments from religious, educational, and community leaders.
Creator:
Title:
Joint Legislative Committee to Investigate Seditious Activities Archibald Stevenson files
Quantity:

1 cubic foot

Inclusive Dates:
1919-1920
Series Number:
L0042

Arrangement

Arranged by type of record.

Administrative History

These records were created by Archibald Stevenson, chief investigator for the Lusk Committee and principal writer of the committee's final report.

Scope and Content Note

Much of the series documents Stevenson's investigations of formal attempts to 'Americanize' immigrants in such institutions and organizations as public schools in New York and other states; religious organizations in New York City; civic groups in New York City; the National Security League in New York City; local chambers of commerce; and business and commerce organizations. Topics and record types include drafts of various portions of the committee's final report; examination of various constructive measures utilized to combat the spread of seditious thought; certification requirements and curriculum for teachers to conduct classes in Americanization and English; and synopses of comments from religious, educational, and community leaders.

Approximately half of the series consists of pamphlets, booklets, annual reports, and similar publications of churches, boards of education, colleges, mission and welfare boards, and other organizations.

Other Finding Aids

Available at Repository

Item list is available at the repository.

Custodial History

After Mr. Stevenson's death in 1961, his library and papers were donated to New Canaan (Conn.) High School. In the mid-1990s, the papers were given to a researcher and were transferred to the New York State Archives in 2003.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.

Access Terms

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