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The Papers of Thomas Jefferson Project Editor's Records
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Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: University Archives. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
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.
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.
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.
Contents list created by Eleanor Wright '14 in January 2012 and finding aid updated by Christie Peterson in February 2012.
People
- Boyd, Julian P. (Julian Parks), 1903-1980
- Dodds, Harold W. (Harold Willis), 1889-1980
- Goheen, Robert F. (Robert Francis), 1919-2008
Organization
- Publisher
- University Archives
- Finding Aid Author
- Christie Peterson
- Finding Aid Date
- 2007
- Access Restrictions
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The collection is open for research use.
- Use Restrictions
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Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. For quotations that are fair use as defined under U. S. Copyright Law, no permission to cite or publish is required. The Trustees of Princeton University hold copyright to all materials generated by Princeton University employees in the course of their work. If copyright is held by Princeton University, researchers will not need to obtain permission, complete any forms, or receive a letter to move forward with non-commercial use of materials from the Mudd Library. For materials where the copyright is not held by the University, researchers are responsible for determining who may hold the copyright and obtaining approval from them. If you have a question about who owns the copyright for an item, you may request clarification by contacting us through the Ask Us! form.
Collection Inventory
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.
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