Brief guide to manuscripts collections| William L. Clements Library The University of Michigan Randolph G. Adams Papers |
After earning a doctorate in American history at the University of Pennsylvania in 1920, Randolph G. Adams was brought to Duke University as assistant professor. While there, he first attained national recognition for his important study, Political Ideas of the American Revolution (1922). Appointed Director of the Clements Library in 1923, Adams served 28 years until his death. During his tenure Adams transformed the magnificent personal library of William L. Clements into an internationally recognized center for the study of early American history. An early and outspoken champion of rare book libraries, Adams was an enthusiastic collector whose wit, scholarship, and sophistication made him a stimulating speaker and an inspiration to researchers. Adams also played a key role in the development of the archival profession, helping to found the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, and assisting in the establishment and development of a number of rare books libraries throughout the country.
Personal papers of Randolph G. Adams, historian, bibliographer, first director of the William L. Clements Library.
The Randolph Adams Papers contains Adams' personal papers, correspondence, research notes, manuscripts, and family memorabilia. It also includes information on the creation of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and correspondence regarding the estate of A. Edward Newton.
Gift of the Adams Family, 1951-1952
Other Adams materials are located in the Papers of William L. Clements and in the archives of the Library.
| Homepage | Manuscripts | Collections | Staff | Hours and policies |
|---|