Collection Development Policy, Maryland History and Culture: Government and Politics [Draft]

Historical Background

Maryland calls itself " America in miniature," and it is true that examining the papers of officials can show parallels between themes of interest to Marylanders, and to Americans in general. Social issues, such as desegregation, housing, education, women's rights, and the Chesapeake Bay are among the themes that often appear across collections. Local civic organizations often helped to bring issues to the attention of legislators, and played a valuable role in bridging the gap between the people and their government.

Scope of the Collection

The collection documents the careers and activities of Maryland political leaders at the national, state, and local level.

People/Organizations:

• U. S. Senators representing Maryland
• U. S. Representatives representing Maryland
• Maryland Senate members
• Maryland House of Delegates Members
• Local Council Members
• Parent-Teacher Associations in Maryland
• Environment/Chesapeake Bay
• Voting groups
• Women's groups
• Local political organizations

Manuscript Types:

• Speeches
• Correspondence
• Issue/Subject Files
• Photographs
• Awards
• Case Files
• Memorabilia

Published Sources:

• Memoirs
• Official government records
• Proceedings
• Published histories
• Reports
• Speeches

Highlights of the Collection

Highlights of the collection include the papers of Spiro T. Agnew, Millard E. Tydings, Joseph Tydings, Theodore R. McKeldin, Constance E. Morella, as well as the archives of organizations such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the League of Women Voters of Maryland, Suburban Maryland Fair Housing, Inc., and the Woman's Suburban Democratic Club.

Exceptions

We do not collect political papers that do not relate directly to the state of Maryland . In addition, we do not actively seek object-oriented items or political memorabilia, with the exception of items relating directly to the Archives of the American Political Items Collectors.

Other Resources

University of Maryland Libraries:

Maryland State Archives