SUBGROUP 1: The Roger Baldwin Years, 1917-1950
These records document the activities of the ACLU from 1917 through 1950. The files contain materials on conscientious objection, freedom of speech, academic freedom, censorship, and labor concerns. The files reflect work on litigation, advocacy, and public policy. Materials include correspondence and newspaper clippings.
NOTE: All materials in Subgroup 1 are open for research use. All materials in Subgroup 1 have been digitized. View under "Online Access" the list of institutions that have access to the digitized version. Reels 1-20 are available online through the finding aid. The microfilm reels in this collection, both physical and digitized, are also available and may be accessible directly at your institution or through inter-library loan. Search WorldCat for "American Civil Liberties Union : The Roger Baldwin years, 1917-1950" to see where the microfilm collection and accompanying printed guide are available near you.
You can read more about the American Civil Liberties Union's early history in documents on the Mudd Library blog.
SUBGROUP 2: ACLU Records, 1917-1999 (mostly 1947-1995)
These records document the activities of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in protecting individual rights between 1947 and 1995. The collection contains correspondence, clippings, court documents, memoranda, printed matter, minutes, reports, briefs, legal files, exhibit materials, and audio-visual materials. Also included are materials from ACLU affiliate organizations, the Lawyers Constitutional Defense Committee and national office legal department records (1945-1960).
NOTE: All materials in Subgroup 2 are open for research use. Series 2, Series 3, and Series 4 have been digitized; please see Online Access. The series within Subgroup 2 are listed below:
SUBGROUP 3: ACLU Records, 1864-2006 (mostly 1970-1995)
These records document the administration and work of the ACLU's national office, regional offices, and legal projects, with particular emphasis on the areas of civil rights, children and women's rights, freedom of speech (and all First Amendment questions), and due process, among many others. The records include case files, correspondence, meeting minutes, research files, and files of staff members. A large portion of the records are related to the numerous cases that the ACLU was involved in on a wide range of civil liberties issues. Records are included from the national office, ACLU projects (notably the Arts Censorship Project, Capital Punishment Project, Children's Rights Project, Reproductive Freedom Project, and Women's Rights Project), and the Mountain States Regional Office, Southern Regional Office, and Washington Regional Office.
NOTE: Some material in Subgroup 3 must be reviewed for legal restrictions prior to research use. Please submit requests for material from Subgroup 3 via your Research Account at least 10 business days before visiting the library to allow time for this review. An archivist will respond within 10 business days to let you know whether the material is available for research use. Individuals may make up to 15 requests per month.
NOTE: Subseries 5B, Southern Regional Office, has been digitized. Please see Online Access.
The series within Subgroup 3 are listed below:
SUBGROUP 4: ACLU Records, 1920-2007 (mostly 1970-2000)
These records document the work of the ACLU's national office in the areas of civil rights, children and women’s rights, freedom of speech (and all First Amendment questions), due process, the right to privacy, and church-state separation issues, among others, predominantly from 1970 to 2000. A large portion of the records pertain to the numerous cases that the ACLU was involved in related to a wide range of civil rights issues. The records also document the work of various ACLU projects, particularly the Children's Rights Project.
NOTE: Some material in Subgroup 4 must be reviewed for legal restrictions prior to research use. Please submit requests for material from Subgroup 4 via your Research Account at least 10 business days before visiting the library to allow time for this review. An archivist will respond within 10 business days to let you know whether the material is available for research use. Individuals may make up to 15 requests per month.
