The Civil Rights History Project: Survey of Collections and Repositories

Harry Flood Byrd, Sr. papers

Repository: University of Virginia Library. Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library

Collection Description (CRHP): This collection includes an interview of Harry F. Byrd, Sr., by famed journalist Mr. Arthur Krock on integration on September 25, 1956, in Box 380.

Collection Description (Extant): The Harry Flood Byrd, Sr. Papers, 1911-1965, consist of 273 linear feet of correspondence, memoranda, records, files of all sorts, photographs, scrapbooks, etc. pertaining largely to the Virginia Senator's political and business careers. Save for his years as governor of Virginia (1925-1929) the collection documents in great detail his activities in politics and business. The bulk of the political papers deal with Virginia state politics, and present a clear picture of Byrd's leadership of the state Democratic Party. Substantive material from or concerning national figures for the period is not to be found in these papers.

Material of greatest research value is probably to be found in the papers before 1932 when Byrd was elected to the U.S. Senate. The correspondence files are particularly rich and helpful in the 1920's. A cautiousness of statement appears in his correspondence when Byrd arrives in Washington, but the tendency disappears after a few years, and the later correspondence is candid and useful.

The papers of Senator Byrd are invaluable for any study of Virginia's politics and public life during Byrd's lifetime. Because of his great success as an apple grower and farmer, researchers in these fields will find much of value here. There is also some material useful for the study of journalistic history, and other fields of research.

Access Copy Note: Access to the Harry F. Byrd, Sr., Papers is controlled by the Honorable Harry F. Byrd, Jr. An applicant for access who is not associated with the University of Virginia must furnish to the Director of Special Collections a brief description of his academic or other qualifications, a summary of his research project, and a description of any projected publication that might make use of material from, or material derived from, the Harry F. Byrd, Sr., Papers. The Director of Special Collections will contact Senator Byrd and will notify the applicant of the Senator's decision. No part of the Harry F. Byrd, Sr., Papers, nor any material from them, or derived from them, may be published without the express permission of the Honorable Harry F. Byrd, Jr.

Date(s): 1911-1965

Digital Status: No

Existing IDs: Collection Number: 9700, 9700-b

Extent: 273 linear feet

Finding Aid URL: http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/uva-sc/viu01045.xml.frame

Language: English

Interviewees: Harry F. Byrd, Sr.

Rights (CRHP): Contact the repository which holds the collection for information on rights

Subjects:

Democratic Party (U.S.)
Democratic Party (Va.)
Politicians
School integration--Massive resistance movement
School integration--Virginia
Segregation in education--Virginia
United States. Congress. Senate
Virginia--Politics and government
Virginia--Race relations

Genres:

Interviews
Manuscripts
Photographs
Speeches