Historical Collections and Labor Archives

In 1967, the Penn State University Libraries' Historical Collections and
Labor Archives (HCLA) became the official repository fro the historical
records of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA). This body of material
documents the internal and external activities of every hierarchical
level of the organization. The main components of the USWA Archive are the
records from the International Executive Board, elected officials, staff
departments, and district and local union offices. The verbatim transcripts of
the Executive Board proceedings provide insight into the Steelworker's second-highest
policy making body. The files of the international officers reveal the union's
relations with the labor movement, state governments, and the daily administration
of the organization.

Records of the district offices contain valuable documents on organizing, contract negotiations, grievances, and political action at the regional and local levels. There are also minute books, financial records, and detailed grievances for several important union locals. In addition to several thousand cubic feet of files, the USWA Archive contains newsletters, publications, posters, photographs, sound recordings, and movie film. Complementing the Steelworker's official records are the nearly two hundred oral histories of former union officers, staff members, and rank and file activists. Each interview has been transcribed and indexed.

Complementing the USWA Archive are the numerous manuscript collections documenting the activities of the Steel Workers Organizing Committee, predecessor of the USWA.

These include personal correspondence, diaries, reports, research files, and memorabilia of Clint Golde, Harold Ruttenberg, Meyer Bernstein, E.J. Lever, and Frank Fernbach. The records of several unions that preceded or merged with the United Steelworkers of America are also represented in HCLA. These include the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers, the International Union of District 50, and the Aluminum Workers of America.

Since 1967, when Penn State became the official repository for the historical records of the United Steelworkers of America, HCLA has attempted to collect documents created by the union that student, historians, and union members may want to review in order to understand the origins and development of the Steelworkers. Individuals, local unions, and districts are encouraged to deposit their Steelworker records in the USWA Archive at Penn State. This may include union newsletters, grievance files, minute books, membership records, office correspondence, scrapbooks, and photographs.

When historical records are deposited at Penn State, the HCLA staff organizes and catalogs them so they are ready for public use. The records are stored in fireproof facilities that are secure from theft and vandalism. People who do research with the records must use a supervised reading room and are not allowed to remove the records, even to another part of the library. These procedures insure that the collections remain available to future researchers. Union members are encouraged to visit HCLA and to use the records in the Steelworkers' archive.

Those interested in depositing historical records in the USWA Archive should call HCLA during business hours at (814) 863-3181, or mail an inquiry to:
HCLA
The Pennsylvania State University
104 Paterno Library
University Park, PA 16802


HCLA welcomes all researchers to examine the collections in the Steelworkers' archive. A small number of the collections are restricted, however, and those planning to visit should contact HCLA in advance for information about the materials they wish to use. Summary information on many collections in the archive is available from the University Libraries' catalog (LIAS). Researchers may also find collection descriptions in two national databases: the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), and the On-Line Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC). HCLA is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Photocopies of documents can be made on the premises, with permission from the staff. Further information about copying services, collections, travel, and local arrangements can be obtained by calling HCLA during business hours at (814) 865-7931, or by mailing an inquiry.

 

Special Collections Library
104 Paterno Library
University Park, PA 16802
Telephone: (814) 865-7931, (814) 865-1793
Fax: (814) 863-5318

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