Guide to the Irving A. Fradkin papers, 1956-2002

Brown University Library, Special Collections
Box A, John Hay Library
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
Email: hay@brown.edu

Published in 2008

Collection Overview

Title:	Irving A. Fradkin papers
Date range:	1956-2002
Creator:	Fradkin, Irving A., 1921-
Extent:	15 cubic feet (14 records center boxes and 2 oversize boxes)
Abstract:	The Dr. Irving A. Fradkin papers date from 1956 to 2002 and relate to the founding and development of the Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of America, now Scholarship America.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	Brown University Library, Special Collections
Collection number:	Ms. 2005.036

Scope & content

The Dr. Irving A. Fradkin papers date from 1956 to 2002 and relate to the founding and development of the Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of America, now Scholarship America. Consisting of letters, speeches, minutes, periodicals, newsletters, press releases, clippings, articles, fact sheets, programs, reports, booklets, certificates, proclamations, videocassettes, and scrapbooks, these papers document the founding and development of Scholarship America and the history of financial aid, philanthropy, and education.

The scrapbooks contain over one hundred certificates of commendation from localities around the country, articles, programs, invitations, speeches, clippings, greeting cards, as well as letters and telegrams from important dignitaries. Of note are telegrams from Presidents Eisenhower, Reagan, and Bush, letters from Reader’s Digest and Time magazine, and a personal letter from Eleanor Roosevelt, who donated the first dollar to the program.

Access Points

Subject Names

• Fradkin, Irving A., 1921-

Subject Organizations

• Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America
• Scholarship America (Firm)

Subject Topics

• Benefactors--United States

Document Types

• Clippings (information artifacts)
• Letters (correspondence)
• Minutes
• Newsletters
• Periodicals
• Press releases
• Proclamations
• Scrapbooks
• Speeches
• Videocassettes

Subject Topics

• Education

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into the following series:

• Series 1. Loose papers
• Series 2. Scrapbooks
• Series 3. Certificates, plaques, and trophy
• Series 4. Videocassettes

Biographical note

In 1957, Dr. Irving A. Fradkin, an optometrist, ran for a seat on the Fall River, Massachusetts, School Board. During the campaign, he called for each citizen of Fall River to contribute one dollar to create a scholarship fund to send needy students to college. Although defeated, Dr. Fradkin pushed ahead with his idea and in 1958 started Dollars for Scholars in Fall River.

By 1961, Dollars for Scholars chapters had been created in eleven states. In May 1961, Dollars for Scholars was incorporated as the Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of America (CSFA). On January 1, 2003, the CSFA officially changed its name to Scholarship America. Now based in St. Peter, Minnesota, Scholarship America is the largest private sector scholarship and educational support organization in the United States.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials:	Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation:	Irving A. Fradkin papers, Ms. 2005.036, Brown University Library.
Contact information:	Brown University Library, Special Collections Box A, John Hay Library Providence, RI 02912 Tel: 401-863-2146 Email: hay@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Acquisition:	This collection was donated by Dr. Irving A. Fradkin in December 2002.
Accruals:	Additonal materials are expected for this collection.
Processing information:	This collection was accessioned as A2002-77.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Jay Gaidmore.
Encoding:	Finding aid encoded by Jay Gaidmore 2008 October 07

Additional Information

Related material:	RESOURCES AT BROWN:Scholarship America records
Other information:	Brown University catalog record for this collection: Irving A. Fradkin papers

Inventory

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