Burton Hoffman Papers (Mss. Gr. 184)

The Burton Hoffman papers consist of Hoffman's records from his positions as a U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate staff member, a journalist and editor, press secretary to politicians and political candidates, and as a public affairs consultant. The records were stored at Hoffman’s residence, and were donated to Special Collections in May 2005.

Most of the collection is well preserved; however, many of the records on the exchange trips with the Soviet Union and the Film Project on Congress have severe water and mold damage. Severely damaged records were photocopied, and the originals were discarded.

The papers consist of memoranda, correspondence, speech transcripts, reports, notes, schedules, newspapers and newspaper clippings, photographs, realia, audiocassettes, and one LP record.

The collection is divided into the following series:

Series I, Special Assistant to the House Majority Whip (1975-1981), contains records relating to Hoffman's position as Special Assistant to John Brademas, the Majority Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives from the 94th through the 96th Congressional sessions. The series contains memoranda, press clippings, correspondence, reports, press releases, speech transcripts, notes, schedules, briefing materials, photographs, and one audiocassette.

Series II, US-Soviet Legislative Exchange Trips (1977-1981), consists of records relating to an exchange program between the U.S. Congress and the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. The series contains briefing documents, reports, press clippings, schedules, photographs, correspondence, and memoranda. Much of the material in this series was severely water and mold damaged. Photocopies were made of the damaged material and the originals were discarded.

Series III, Shriver Campaign 1972 (1970-1975), consists of documents relating to Hoffman’s position as R. Sargent Shriver’s Press Secretary during the Presidential campaign of 1972. The series contains staff lists, speech transcripts, newspapers, memoranda, press releases, news clippings, schedules, correspondence, one 33 1/3 LP record, and notes.

Series IV, Korean Bribery Scandal (1973-1978), consists of records relating to allegations of bribery of several members of Congress by Korean intelligence agents, and the subsequent investigations and Congressional hearings into the matter in 1978. The series consists of press clippings, memoranda, cassette tapes, notes, and correspondence.

Series V, Film Project on Congress (1975-1979), contains memoranda, correspondence, interview transcripts, promotional materials, and press clippings relating to two films, broadcast on public television, about Congress and the legislative process. Some of the documents in this series are photocopies of severely water damaged materials.

Series VI, Editorial Files (1958-1976), contains records from Hoffman’s career as an editor and journalist. The series consists of memoranda, press clippings, newspapers, reports, and correspondence.

Series VII Subject Files (1952-1986), contains records relating to Hoffman’s positions as aide to both Senator Carl Levin and Representative Henry Waxman, as well as personal and employment correspondence, reports, articles on sailing, realia, and appointment books.