William D. Metz Papers (Mss. Gr. 53)

The William D. Metz papers relate primarily to his tenure as Professor of History at the University of Rhode Island from 1946 to 1982. The collection is comprised of two series; Subject Files and Correspondence. The Subject Files contain a wide range of materials relating to committees, organizations, fraternities, and academic departments of the University that Metz was involved with. These include files pertaining to the American Association of University Professors, the History Department, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate Library School, and the Faculty Senate. Additional committees and organizations include the American Civil Liberties Union, the Curriculum Committee, the Library Committee, the Rhode Island Civil War Commission, and a number of student fraternities.

There are numerous other subjects also represented within the series, such as the Churchill History Prize, the Historic Preservation Planning Committee, and the URI student protests of the late 1960's, which reflect his varied interests. The Correspondence series (1952-1982) contains letters and related materials Metz received from, or sent to, various individuals during his tenure at the University of Rhode Island. Most of the letters consist of correspondence with faculty members of the University of Rhode Island, requests for letters of recommendation by former colleagues and students, resumes and biographical sketches of individuals, and correspondence with faculty members of other institutions. Both series are arranged alphabetically.