Ralph Russell Papers

Collection

Identifier: 1995-0009

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The bulk of the Ralph Russell Papers span the years 1952-1958, though there is material from earlier and later years. The Russell Papers document his dismissal from and subsequent reinstatement in the Interior Department. Branded as a Communist conspirator during the height of the McCarthy era, the papers offer insight into the struggles of those Americans who were accused of being Communists and their efforts to retain employment.

Dates

undated, 1939-1977

Access

The collection is open and available for research.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish from these Papers must be obtained in writing from both the University of Connecticut Libraries and the owner(s) of the copyright.

Biography

Ralph Russell was born in Nova Scotia, Canada in 1900. In 1902 Russell's family moved to Worcester>, Massachusetts, where he was raised. Russell went on to obtain an education from the local public schools, the Massachusetts Agricultural College, and the University of Wisconsin, where he received a Masters Degree in rural Sociology. After a number of jobs, Russell secured a position with the Bureau of Fisheries within the Interior Department, in 1938. He eventually rose to the position of section chief.

Due to his political beliefs, as well as his activities on behalf of the United Public Workers Union, Russell found himself accused of being a member of the Communist Party. Despite a vigorous defense, Russell lost position with the Bureau of Fisheries in 1953 and did not regain his job until 1958, when the Supreme Court rules such termination unconstitutional. Russell remained with the Bureau until his retirement in 1965.

Extent

1 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Ralph Russell was born in Nova Scotia in 1900. In 1902 Russell's family moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was raised. Due to his political beliefs, as well as his activities on behalf of the United Public Workers Union, Russell found himself accused of being a member of the Communist Party. Despite a vigorous defense, Russell lost his position with the Bureau of Fisheries in 1953 and did not regain his job until 1958, when the Supreme Court ruled such termination unconstitutional. Russell remained with the Bureau until his retirement in 1965.

Arrangement

Series I: Personal Files (undated, 1939-1977) contains Russell's papers dealing with his dismissal. The series includes correspondence, transcripts from Loyalty Board hearings, Freedom of Information Act materials, and printed material.

Series II: Legal Files (undated, 1949-1958) is comprised of the files of Harry C. Lamberton, Russell's lawyer. The series includes notes, correspondence, and printed materials.

Acquisition Information

The collection was donated to Archives & Special Collections in 1995 and 1997.

Related Material

Archives & Special Collections has a substantial collection of materials pertaining to Connecticut politics. For detailed information on these collections please contact the curator or ask at the Reading Room desk.