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American Protective League, New York Division papers

 Collection
Identifier: D.419

Biographical/Historical note

The American Protective League, New York Division Papers documents the activities of an organization made up of private citizens who identified suspected German sympathizers and any other anti- American groups to protect the United States against foreign enemies during World War I. Members reported to the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Investigation. There were two classes of members: active and inactive. Active members were responsible for investigating cases assigned to them by government officials or agencies. Inactive members reported information to benefit the government and any potential investigation. Each member upon joining received an identification card. The rules and regulations of the League specified that members keep their affiliation with the organization a secret and only disclose their connection during the process of an investigation, if appropriate.

Scope and Contents

This collection is comprised of two series: Local activities, and Printed Materials. The series Local Activities includes the document American Protective League Rules and Regulations that members of the New York division followed, as well as four of the reports they filed on potentially un-American activities. There is a small body of correspondence related to local actions, and two documents related to the disbandment of the League in 1919. Also included is a program from a dinner given by New York Division of the American Protective League on January 3, 1919. Finally, there is a manuscript written by Brett Page, a member of the New York division titled The Hidden Menace. The second series contains two folders, one letter sized and one flat file with printed materials distributed widely to state divisions.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: circa 1917-1919

Language of Materials

English

Extent

1 box(es) (1 box plus 1 oversize folder)

Access

The American Protective League, New York Division Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The American Protective League, New York Division Papers were the gift of Marge Barnett April 5, 1976.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], American Protective League, New York Division papers, D.419, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Title
American Protective League, New York Division papers
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
Date
undated
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Library Details

Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library

Contact:
Rochester NY 14627-0055 USA