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Martin Agronsky

A Register of His Papers in the Library of Congress


Prepared by Donna Ellis
with the assistance of Dan Oleksiw

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/xmlcommon/lcseal.jpg

Manuscript Division, Library of Congress

Washington, D.C.

2002

Contact information: http://lcweb.loc.gov/rr/mss/address.html

Finding aid encoded by Library of Congress Manuscript Division, 2005

Finding aid URL: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms006002

Table of Contents

Collection Summary

Selected Search Terms

Names:

Subjects:

Occupation:

Administrative Information

Provenance:

Transfers:

Copyright Status:

Preferred Citation:

Biographical Note

Scope and Content Note

Organization of the Papers

Container List

Correspondence, 1907-1991, n.d.

Speeches and Writings File, 1939-1996, n.d.

Miscellany, 1933-1999, n.d.

Collection Summary

Title: Papers of Martin Agronsky
Span Dates: 1907-1999
Bulk Dates: (bulk 1940-1990)
ID No.: MSS84841
Creator: Agronsky, Martin, 1915-1999
Extent: 27,700 items; 79 containers; 31.6 linear feet
Language: Collection material in English
Repository: Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Abstract: Radio and television journalist. Appointment books, awards, radio, television, and film scripts, speeches, writings, and research material pertaining to Agronsky's career as a radio and television journalist.

Selected Search Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the Library's online catalog. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically therein.

Names:

Agronsky, Martin.
Eichmann, Adolf, 1906-1962--Trials, litigation, etc.

Subjects:

Cold War
Economics
Foreign correspondents--Asia
Foreign correspondents--Australia
Foreign correspondents--Europe
Politics, Practical
Trials--Israel
World War, 1939-1945--Journalists

Occupation:

Journalists

Administrative Information

Provenance:

The papers of Martin Agronsky, radio and television journalist, were given to the Library of Congress by his estate in 2001. Additional material was given in 2003 by David Agronsky.

Transfers:

Sound recordings, videocassettes, and a film have been transferred to the Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Division where they are identified as part of the Martin Agronsky Papers.

Copyright Status:

Copyright in the unpublished writings of Martin Agronsky in these papers and in other collections in the custody of the Library of Congress is reserved. Consult a reference librarian in the Manuscript Division for further information.

Preferred Citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Container number, Martin Agronsky Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Biographical Note

Date

Event

1915, Jan. 12Born, Philadelphia, Pa.
1936B.A., Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.
1936-1937Reporter, Palestine Post
1937-1940Freelance newspaper reporter
1940-1943Foreign correspondent, National Broadcasting Co.
1943Married Helen Smathers (died 1969)
1943-1957Correspondent, American Broadcasting Co., Washington, D.C.
1952Awarded George Foster Peabody Award
1957-1964Correspondent, National Broadcasting Co.
1961Awarded Alfred I. DuPont Award
1964-1968Bureau chief, Paris, France, and moderator of “Face the Nation,” Columbia Broadcasting System
1968Received Emmy Award
1969News anchor, WTOP-TV, Washington, D.C.
1969-1987Host, “Agronsky and Company,” WETA-TV, Washington, D.C.
1971-1975Host, “Martin Agronsky's Evening Edition” and “Agronsky at Large,” Public Broadcasting System
1999, July 25Died, Washington, D.C.

Scope and Content Note

The papers of Martin Agronsky (1915-1999) span the years 1907-1999, with the bulk of the material dating from 1940 to 1990. The papers are organized in the following series: Correspondence, Speeches and Writings File, and a Miscellany consisting primarily of appointment books, awards, biographical material, and items related to organizations with which Agronsky was associated.

The Correspondence series contains primarily letters written by colleagues and the public to Agronsky in response to his newscasts. Incoming and outgoing letters and telegrams document communications between Agronsky and his network supervisors regarding news assignments.

The Speeches and Writings File, especially the scripts of Agronsky's newscasts, forms the centerpiece of the papers. The material dates from his career as a foreign correspondent in Europe, Australia, and Asia during World War II and continues through the Cold War years. His coverage of the Adolf Eichmann trial in Israel won him the Alfred I. DuPont Award in 1962. Other scripts include his work on documentary films. The speech file contains correspondence, notes, and texts pertaining to his lectures on political and economic subjects. Research material includes news clippings, notes, and printed matter relating to the subjects on which Agronsky frequently lectured.

Organization of the Papers

The collection is arranged in three series:

Container List

BoxContents
BOX 1-12

Correspondence, 1907-1991, n.d.

Correspondence and memoranda between Agronsky and his friends, colleagues, and the public relating to professional activities.
Arranged chronologically.
BOX 11907, 1939-1942
(7 folders)
1943
Jan.-Apr.
(3 folders)
BOX 2June-Dec.
1944
(5 folders)
1945
Jan.-Apr.
(2 folders)
BOX 3May-Sept.
(7 folders)
BOX 4Oct.-Dec.
(4 folders)
1946-1947
(5 folders)
BOX 51948-1949
(5 folders)
1950
Jan.-Apr.
(2 folders)
BOX 6May-Dec.
(3 folders)
1951
(2 folders)
1952
Jan.-Mar.
BOX 7Apr.-Dec.
(2 folders)
1953
(7 folders)
BOX 81954
Jan.-May
(7 folders)
BOX 9June-Dec.
(7 folders)
1955
Jan.-Mar.
(2 folders)
BOX 10Apr.-Dec.
(7 folders)
1956-1971
(3 folders)
BOX 111972-1981
(9 folders)
BOX 121982-1991, n.d.
(9 folders)
BOX 13-74

Speeches and Writings File, 1939-1996, n.d.

Broadcast and film scripts, magazine articles, research material, and speeches.
Arranged alphabetically by type of material and therein chronologically.
BOX 13Broadcast scripts
American Broadcasting Co.
“At Issue”
Correspondence and financial records, 1953-1954, n.d.
Interviews, 1953-1954
(3 folders)
Prospective topics, 1951-1954, n.d.
Daily news
1943
(3 folders)
BOX 14ca. 1943
(9 folders)
BOX 15 (3 folders)
1944
Jan.-May
(8 folders)
BOX 16June-Sept.
(9 folders)
BOX 17Oct.-Dec.
(5 folders)
1945
Jan.-Feb.
(3 folders)
BOX 18Mar.-Aug.
(6 folders)
BOX 19Sept.-Dec.
(6 folders)
1946
Jan.-Feb.
(3 folders)
BOX 20Mar.-Aug.
(8 folders)
BOX 21Sept.-Dec.
(4 folders)
1947
Jan.-Feb.
(4 folders)
BOX 22Mar.-June
(7 folders)
BOX 23July-Nov.
(8 folders)
BOX 24Dec.
(3 folders)
1948
Jan.-Mar.
(6 folders)
BOX 25Apr.-Sept.
(9 folders)
BOX 26Oct.-Dec.
(6 folders)
1949
Jan.-Feb.
(3 folders)
BOX 27Mar.-June
(8 folders)
BOX 28July-Oct.
(7 folders)
BOX 29Nov.-Dec.
(4 folders)
1950
Jan.
(2 folders)
BOX 30Feb.-May
(8 folders)
BOX 31June-Sept.
(7 folders)
Oct.
2-14
BOX 3216-31
Nov.-Dec.
(4 folders)
1951
Jan.-Feb.
(4 folders)
BOX 33Mar.-June
(8 folders)
BOX 34July-Oct.
(7 folders)
BOX 35Nov.-Dec.
(4 folders)
1952
Jan.-Feb.
(4 folders)
BOX 36Mar.-May
(6 folders)
BOX 37June-Nov.
(9 folders)
BOX 38Dec.
(2 folders)
1953
Jan.-May
(9 folders)
BOX 39June-Dec.
(8 folders)
1954
Jan.
BOX 40Feb.-July
(9 folders)
BOX 41Aug.-Dec.
(7 folders)
1955
Jan.-Feb.
(3 folders)
BOX 42Mar.-Aug.
(11 folders)
BOX 43Sept.-Nov.
(8 folders)
BOX 44Dec.
(3 folders)
1956
Jan.
(3 folders)
Feb.
1-14
BOX 4516-29
Mar.-Apr.
(6 folders)
BOX 46May-June
(6 folders)
July
2-21
(2 folders)
BOX 4723-31
Aug.-Nov.
(7 folders)
BOX 48Dec.
(4 folders)
1957
Jan.-May
(6 folders)
BOX 49Program sponsors
Cancellations, 1946-1956
(7 folders)
Correspondence, 1950-1955
Expenses, 1943-1953
Lists, 1945-1954, n.d.
(3 folders)
BOX 50Miscellany, 1947-1955, n.d.
Radio station affiliates, 1950-1955
Sales, 1946-1956
(6 folders)
Sponsor identifications, 1953-1955
(2 folders)
BOX 51National Broadcasting Co.
Daily news
1939-1940
(4 folders)
1941
Jan.-July
(6 folders)
BOX 52Aug.-Oct.
(3 folders)
1942
(6 folders)
BOX 531957-1968
(7 folders)
“Emphasis,” 1960-1964, n.d.
“Look Here”
Correspondence, 1957-1958, 1996, n.d.
Interviews
1957
(2 folders)
BOX 541958, n.d.
(3 folders)
“The Trial of Adolf Eichmann”
Production material, 1961
Scripts, 1961
Unidentified scripts, n.d.
Miscellany
Films
American Workmanship, 1976
And One to Grow On, 1979-1980, n.d.
Coal slurry pipeline, 1980
Communications Workers of America, 1982, n.d.
CSX-Richmond Corp., 1984
BOX 55First Monday in October, 1980
Hadassah Medical Organization, 1985
It's Child's Play, 1961
A Matter of Commitment, 1983
The National Financial Planning Quiz, 1981
Nazareth to Bethlehem travelog, 1961
Magazine articles
“I Will Be Back,” n.d.
Life project on Iran, 1947, n.d.
“Iran--Urgent,” n.d.
Miscellaneous, 1943-1952, n.d.
“The Partition of Palestine,” 1937
“The Public and the Act,” 1970
“The Voice of the Supreme Court,” 1955-1956
Radio and television guest appearances, 1968, 1979-1988
BOX 56Research material
Abortion, 1964, 1974, n.d.
American Jewish Congress, 1963-1964
(2 folders)
Atomic energy, 1947-1950, n.d.
Automotive advertising, 1956
Battery additive material, 1949-1953, n.d.
Bernstein, Leonard, 1976
Bomb shelters, 1961, n.d.
Burch, Dean, 1964, n.d.
Burrows, Abe, n.d.
BOX 57Carter, Jimmy, 1977, n.d.
Censorship, 1952
Central America, 1985
Central Intelligence Agency, 1965-1966, 1974-1977, 1985, n.d.
Civil liberties, 1949-1955, n.d.
(2 folders)
BOX 58Communism, 1948-1955, 1963, 1973, n.d.
Condon, Edward U., 1948-1949, n.d.
Crossfield, Scott, 1955-1958, n.d.
(2 folders)
Cuban missile crisis, 1963, n.d.
Democratic Party, 1944, 1952, 1981
Disarmament, 1983-1986, n.d.
Dulles, John Foster, 1952-1957, n.d.
Eastern Europe, 1940-1942, n.d.
BOX 59Economics, 1952-1955, 1977-1978, n.d.
Education, 1952-1954, 1963, n.d.
Eichmann, Adolf, trial of
Court documents, 1961
(5 folders)
BOX 60 (2 folders)
Fact sheets and news releases, 1960-1961, n.d.
(2 folders)
Memoranda and notes, 1960-1961, n.d.
(3 folders)
BOX 61Printed matter, 1947-1961, n.d.
(6 folders)
Elections
1948
BOX 621950-1964, 1980-1988, n.d.
(7 folders)
Fast, Howard, 1957, n.d.
Finance
1945-1954
(3 folders)
BOX 631957, 1969, n.d.
Foreign policy, 1950-1955, 1963-1967, 1978, 1984-1986, n.d.
Fulbright, J. William, 1959-1965, n.d.
Germany, 1949-1954, 1961-1964, n.d.
Goldwater, Barry, 1964, n.d.
Humphrey, Hubert H., 1963-1968, n.d.
(4 folders)
International languages, 1951-1954, n.d.
BOX 64Israel, 1958-1988, n.d.
(5 folders)
Kennedy, John F., assassination investigation, 1970
King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1956-1957, n.d.
Labor organizations, 1952-1964, 1977, n.d.
Lattimore, Owen, 1953-1954, n.d.
BOX 65League of Nations, 1937, 1974
Leopold, Nathan F., 1957, n.d.
McCarthy, Joseph R., 1954, 1962, n.d.
Miscellaneous
Notes, n.d.
(4 folders)
Printed matter
1948-1955
(3 folders)
BOX 661956-1980, 1986, n.d.
(3 folders)
National Endowment for the Arts, 1976, n.d.
Nicaragua, 1985
Nuclear weapons, 1946-1955, 1964, 1978, n.d.
Pearson, Lester Bowles, 1954-1961, n.d.
Perkins, Anthony, 1958, n.d.
BOX 67Post World War II economy, 1949-1954, n.d.
Public broadcasting, 1954, 1973, n.d.
Racial discrimination, 1954, 1963-1968, n.d.
Rayburn, Sam, 1961, n.d.
Republic of the Congo, 1961-1962
Scientists and national security, 1948-1954, n.d.
Southeast Asia, 1950-1953, 1961-1971, n.d.
(3 folders)
Stanley, Kim, n.d.
BOX 68Stevenson, Adlai E. (1900-1965), 1952, n.d.
Summit meetings, 1960, 1986, n.d.
(2 folders)
Taft, Robert A. (1889-1953), n.d.
Tennessee Valley Authority, 1954
USSR, 1953, 1961-1964, 1979-1980, n.d.
U.S. Senate, 1952, 1964-1966, n.d.
U.S. Supreme Court
1947-1955
(2 folders)
BOX 691956, 1968, 1974-1977, n.d.
Violence and television, 1969-1977, n.d.
Von Braun, Wernher, 1957
Voskovec, George, immigration case, 1950
Webb, Jack, n.d.
Weil, Joseph, 1946-1954
Welfare, 1945
Women's liberation, 1975-1977, n.d.
World War II, 1943-1944, n.d.
Yates, Sidney R., 1957, 1978
Yugoslavia, 1955
BOX 70Speech file
1942, 1947-1975
(12 folders)
BOX 711976-1980
(10 folders)
1981
Jan.-Apr.
(5 folders)
BOX 72May-Dec.
(5 folders)
1982
Jan.-Sept.
(13 folders)
BOX 73Oct.-Dec.
(2 folders)
1983-1985
(11 folders)
BOX 741986-1990, n.d.
(20 folders)
BOX 75-79

Miscellany, 1933-1999, n.d.

Appointment books, awards, biographical material, lawsuits, and correspondence relating to organizations and television programs.
Arranged alphabetically by type of material.
Arranged alphabetically by type of material and therein chronologically.
BOX 75Appointment books
1982-1986
(3 folders)
BOX 761987
Awards
Alfred I. DuPont Award, 1961
George Foster Peabody Award, 1952-1953, n.d.
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J., 1995
Heywood Broun Award, 1948-1949
Miscellaneous, 1952-1953, 1984, n.d.
National Headliners Club, 1948
Sigma Delta Chi Radio Award, 1949
Biographical material
1933, 1939-1944, 1950-1959
(2 folders)
BOX 771960-1991, 1999, n.d.
(6 folders)
Jerusalem Post, 1945-1953
Lawsuits
Alexander v. Agronsky, 1981-1982
Reed v. Agronsky, ca. 1944
BOX 78Organizations
National Theatre Corp., 1980-1986, n.d.
(4 folders)
Radio Correspondents Association, 1948-1953, n.d.
Photographs, 1939, 1950-1983, n.d.
Telephone messages, 1980-1981
BOX 79Television programs
“Agronsky and Company,” 1974-1987, n.d.
(2 folders)
“Evening Edition,” 1971-1976, n.d.
(2 folders)
“Hindsight,” n.d.
Proposals, 1963, 1988

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