Collection View
Series 1: The Papers of Thomas Jeffersion Project, 1943-1974 documents the Thomas Jefferson Papers Project from its conception and initial proposal in 1943 until the death of its first editor Julian P. Boyd in 1980. Contained in the records is correspondence with Princeton presidents Harold T. Dodds and Robert F. Goheen, who were active advisors in the early years of the project. Other notable correspondence is with Jefferson scholars, board members of the New York Times, and Jefferson Papers Project advisory board members. Also included are financial records, including Boyd's original cost estimations for the project. Other materials consist of an initial project proposal, annual reports, directives on handling of materials, typography, and editing procedures, and some photographs.
The materials in Series 1: The Papers of Thomas Jeffersion Project, 1943-1974 are arranged in approximately chronological order.
- Scope and Contents
The collection documents the Thomas Jefferson Papers Project from its conception and initial proposal in 1943 until the death of its first editor Julian P. Boyd in 1980. Contained in the records is correspondence with Princeton presidents Harold T. Dodds and Robert F. Goheen, who were active advisors in the early years of the project. Other notable correspondence is with Jefferson scholars, board members of the New York Times, and Jefferson Papers Project advisory board members. Also included are financial records, including Boyd's original cost estimations for the project. Other materials consist of an initial project proposal, annual reports, directives on handling of materials, typography, and editing procedures, and some photographs.
- Collection Creator Biography:
The Thomas Jefferson Papers Project was conceived of in 1943 by Princeton University history professor Julian P. Boyd, who was serving at the time as the historian of the Thomas Jefferson Bicentennial Commission. The aim of the project was and remains to compile a comprehensive and authoritative edition containing not only the 18,000 letters written by Jefferson but also, in full or in summary, the more than 25,000 letters written to him, resulting in an unmatched source of scholarship on the nation's third president. With a 200,000 dollar contribution from the New York Times, Boyd became the editor of the project, a position he would hold until his death in 1980. The ongoing project completed 35 volumes in its first 60 years, with an anticipated 40 more to be published before the project is completed. As one of the first and largest undertakings of its kind, the Jefferson Papers Project has established a model for thoroughness that many similar projects for other historical figures have followed.
- Processing Information
Contents list created by Eleanor Wright '14 in January 2012 and finding aid updated by Christie Peterson in February 2012.
- Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research use.
- Conditions Governing Use
Single copies may be made for research purposes. To cite or publish quotations that fall within Fair Use, as defined under U. S. Copyright Law, no permission is required. The Trustees of Princeton University hold copyright to all materials generated by Princeton University employees in the course of their work. For instances beyond Fair Use, if copyright is held by Princeton University, researchers do not need to obtain permission, complete any forms, or receive a letter to move forward with use of materials from the Princeton University Archives.
For instances beyond Fair Use where the copyright is not held by the University, while permission from the Library is not required, it is the responsibility of the researcher to determine whether any permissions related to copyright, privacy, publicity, or any other rights are necessary for their intended use of the Library's materials, and to obtain all required permissions from any existing rights holders, if they have not already done so. Princeton University Library's Special Collections does not charge any permission or use fees for the publication of images of materials from our collections, nor does it require researchers to obtain its permission for said use. The department does request that its collections be properly cited and images credited. More detailed information can be found on the Copyright, Credit and Citations Guidelines page on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us through the Ask Us! form.
- Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
For preservation reasons, original analog and digital media may not be read or played back in the reading room. Users may visually inspect physical media but may not remove it from its enclosure. All analog audiovisual media must be digitized to preservation-quality standards prior to use. Audiovisual digitization requests are processed by an approved third-party vendor. Please note, the transfer time required can be as little as several weeks to as long as several months and there may be financial costs associated with the process. Requests should be directed through the Ask Us Form.
- Credit this material:
The Papers of Thomas Jefferson Project Editor's Records; Princeton University Archives, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library
- Permanent URL:
- http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/st74cq478
- Location:
-
Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript LibrarySeeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library65 Olden StreetPrinceton, NJ 08540, USA
- Storage Note:
- Mudd Manuscript Library (scamudd): Box 1-5
