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Selected Papers of Public Officials

This guide provides an overview of collections related to political collections and public office holders in the holdings of Special Collections.

About this guide

The following list of collections provides an introduction to the holdings in Special Collections which may be related to this topic. Please consult the University of Arkansas Libraries' catalog or contact Special Collections to obtain the latest information about additional holdings.

Papers of political figures are a significant part of the manuscript resources of Special Collections. These range from a single manuscript letter written by John C. Calhoun in 1819 to the extensive J. William Fulbright Papers, containing over 1,400 linear feet of material.

These collections provide research materials for many topics and are frequently used by faculty and students from the University campus as well as other institutions, by government agencies, journalists, students of local history and genealogy, and others. They provide information on topics of interest to Arkansans, such as flood control, transportation, and school desegregation, as well as insight into issues such as state and national political parties, political rhetoric, anti-Communism, and the Vietnam War.

A wide variety of formats is found in these collections, including photographs, audio and video recordings, and scrapbooks in addition to files of correspondence, speeches, and office documents of many kinds. Special Collections continues to acquire papers of public figures and inquiries about our holdings in this area are always welcome.

 

Published Sources for Background Information

Manuscript Collections on Public Officials, US Senators

Manuscript Collections on Public Officials, US Representatives

Manuscript Collections on Public Officials, Arkansas Governors and State Officers

Manuscript Collections on Public Officials, Arkansas State Legislators

Manuscript Collections on Public Officials, Arkansas Local Politicians

Manuscript Collections on Public Officials, Candidates and other officials

Manuscript Collections on Public Officials, Collections of Political Organizations