Richard Sears Research Collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: BCA 0250

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains the papers and research notes of Richard D. Sears. Included in the collection are general research notes and materials on many of the topics Sears researched and wrote on as well manuscripts and completed copies of his works.

Dates

created: 1796-2008

Creator

Sears, Richard D. -- 1940- (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Records can be accessed through the Reading Room, Berea College Special Collections and Archives, Hutchins Library, Berea College.

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on the collection other than federal copyright regulations.

Extent

21.00 boxes_(general)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Richard D. Sears was Professor of English and Theatre, 1967-2010, and the Chester D. Tripp Chair in Humanities at Berea College. He has published numerous books and articles on various aspects of Kentucky history including the abolitionist movement, Camp Nelson, and Madison County. In particular, Sears devoted many years to researching and writing about the origins of Berea College and it founding members and families.

Arrangement Note

The collection is organized by series as follows:

Series I: General Research Notes and Materials

This series contains research notes made by Sears and records and articles utilized by Sears in his research. Records include articles, indexes, files, correspondence, newsletters and other materials. See also Series VIII.

Series II: Berea Essays

This series contains numerous essays written by Sears about Berea College, the College’s founders and commitments, and the town of Berea. See also Series VIII.

Series III: Berea College Founders and Presidents

This series contains extensive writings and research on the founding members of Berea College and their families, Berea College presidents, trustees, first students, supporters, area abolitionists, exiles, and African American settlers in the Berea area. See also Series VIII.

Series IV: Slavery Project

This series contains an essay on slavery, abolitionism, and social Justice as well as copies of correspondence of abolitionist William Goodell.

Series V: Essays and Reviews

This series contains a number of essays and reviews of articles written by Sears. Topics of the essays and essays being reviewed primarily regard Camp Nelson, the Civil War, and Berea.

Series VI: Manuscript: Day of Small Things with Handwritten

This series includes a copy of the manuscript of Day of Small Things with handwritten notes by Sears.

Series VII: Sullivan County, Missouri Genealogical Collection

This series contains a copy of Sears’ Sullivan County, Missouri, Genealogical Collection and a CD containing files regarding the writing of the book.

Series VIII: Research on Kentucky, Camp Nelson and Berea Histories

This series contains records and articles utilized by Sears in his research on the subjects of Kentucky, Camp Nelson and Berea (including Berea College). Records include copies of letters, photographs, articles and clippings, census, notes by Sears, three ledgers of handwritten research notes, and other materials. See also Series I, II and III.

Source of Acquisition

Richard Sears

Accruals and Additions

The collection of papers were donated by Richard Sears to Berea College over a period of time from 2006 through 2016.

Other Descriptive Information

BCA 0250

Processing Information

The collection of papers were donated by Richard Sears to Berea College over a period of time from 2006 through 2016. The collection was opened for research in February 2016.

Arrangement and processing of the collection was completed by Lori Myers-Steele, Collections Archivist, in January 2016, with the aid of student assistant archivists Joseph Muth and Janae Quinlan. The finding aid was created by Lori Myers-Steele and Hillary Howard, Archives Processing Assistant.