Jump to Content

Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Guide to Benjamin F. Gilbert Research Papers
MSS-2009-02-07  
View entire collection guide What's This?
Search this collection
Collection Overview
 
Table of contents What's This?
Description
The Benjamin F. Gilbert Research Papers (1953-1979 [bulk 1957-1970]) consist of the manuscripts and research notes of Dr. Gilbert, author of Pioneers for One Hundred Years: San José State College 1857-1957, and co-author of Washington Square 1857-1979: The History of San José State University. The papers also contain correspondence from SJSU interim President Hobert W. Burns and faculty members regarding suggestions or revisions to Gilbert's various manuscript drafts. The collection is arranged into two series: Series I. Pioneers for One Hundred Years: San José State College, 1857-1957: Research Papers; and Series II. Washington Square, 1857-1979: The History of San José State University: Research Notes.
Background
In 1857 the San Francisco Board of Education established Minns' Evening Normal School for current and prospective teachers in the city. Named after its principal, George W. Minns, the institution was formally established as the first California State Normal School by the State Legislature in 1862. A decade later, the Legislature voted to move the Normal School to San José, and the school relocated to its new home on Washington Square prior to the fall term of 1872. After a fire destroyed the Normal School building in 1880, the Legislature authorized $200,000 to construct a new building on the same site. Completed in 1881, the building was commonly referred to as the Second State Normal School. After several names and curriculum changes, Minns' Normal school is now San José State University, offering more than 134 bachelor's and master's degrees with 110 concentrations, and is recognized as one of the top public universities granting such degrees in the West.
Extent
2 boxes (1.42 linear feet)
Restrictions
Copyright has been assigned to the San José State University Library Special Collections and Archives. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Special Collections and Archives as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader. Copyright restrictions also apply to digital reproductions of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.
Availability
The collection is open for research.