The Samuel Kohs papers document the rich history and contributions of a noted psychologist and social worker.

A noted psychologist and social worker, Samuel Kohs was born in New York City. From 1918 to 1922, he was a professor at Reed College and at the University of Oregon. During this time, he was also a psychologist for the Portland Court of Domestic Relations. After he left Portland, from 1924 to 1926, Kohs was the executive director of the Jewish Welfare Federation in California's Alameda County. In 1925, he founded the Oakland Placement and Guidance Service. After he left the Jewish Welfare Federation in 1926, he served as the executive director for the Jewish Family Service Agency in San Francisco. Leaving there in 1928, he relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where he worked for the next five years at the Federation of Jewish Charities. In 1928, Kohs became the eastern representative on the Jewish Committee for Personal Service in the state institutions of California. In New York City, he also served as the chair of the Department of Social Technology in New York University's Graduate School of Social Work. From 1938 to 1940, Kohs directed the Resettlement Division of the National Refugee Service (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society). From 1939 to 1941, he worked on the Refugee Service Committee in Los Angeles. After he left the Refugee Service Committee, he worked as the administrative field secretary of the Jewish Welfare Board's Western States Division. He was employed in this capacity until 1956. During part of this time, from 1942 to 1947, Kohs was the director of the Bureau of War Records, in New York City. In addition to his time as the head of various organizations, Kohs also compiled information about Jewish participation in World War II; invented the Kohs Block design intelligence test; the IQ slide rule; and designed the ethical discrimination test.

12.55 linear feet 10 cartons, 1 oversize folder

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