Ralph Russell Papers
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
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.
- Anti-communist movements Subject Source: Fast
- Blacklisting, Labor Subject Source: Fast
- Correspondence Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Discrimination in employment Subject Source: Fast
- Field notes Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Labor Subject Source: Fast
- Legal documents Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Personal papers Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Publications (documents) Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- United States (nation) Subject Source: Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names
- Title
- Ralph Russell Papers
- Status
- Published
- Author
- Archives & Special Collections staff
- Date
- 1995 July
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Archives and Special Collections, University of Connecticut Library Repository
University of Connecticut Library
405 Babbidge Road Unit 1205
Storrs Connecticut 06269-1205 USA US
860-486-2524
archives@uconn.edu