Benjamin F. Gilbert Research Papers, 1953-1979, bulk 1957-1970

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Summary

Creators:
Gilbert, Dr. Benjamin Franklin
Abstract:
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.
Extent:
2 boxes (1.42 linear feet)
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English
Preferred citation:

The Benjamin F. Gilbert Research Papers, MSS-2009-02-07, San José State University Library Special Collections and Archives.

Background

Scope and content:

The Benjamin F. Gilbert Research Papers (1953-1979 [bulk 1957-1970]) consist of manuscript drafts, handwritten notes and research materials for two of Gilbert's books, Pioneers for One Hundred Years: San José State College, 1857-1957 and Washington Square, 1857-1979: The History of San José State University. Arranged primarily by chapter and book section, the papers provide a window into Gilbert's creative process and research methodologies while writing the university histories. In addition, the papers contain correspondence from SJSU interim President Hobert W. Burns and faculty members, who offer personal accounts of SJSU history as well as 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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Dr. Benjamin F. Gilbert (1918-1992), Associate Professor of History at San José State College, was a native Californian and an authority on California state history, particularly the Civil War era. Born in San Francisco, he attended the University of California where he obtained his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees. Gilbert began his teaching career in San Francisco and Oakland, and was a teaching assistant at the University of California before joining the faculty of San José State College in 1950. He also served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1945. As a member of the Historic Landmarks Commission of the City of San José, Gilbert authored the book Pioneers for One Hundred Years: San José State College, 1857-1957, the first definitive history of the college to be published since 1928. This book would be updated in 1980 in Washington Square, 1857-1979: The History of San José State University by Gilbert and his colleague Charles Burdick.

Acquisition information:
This finding aid was created as part of the Survey and Cataloging Project, a two-year San José State University Library grant project funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. The project began in 2008. The Project Director is Danelle Moon. The Project Archivist is Erin Louthen.
Processing information:

Collection processed by Thomas Stamps. Finding aid EAD encoded by Lynn Sheehy. Reviewed by Danelle Moon and Erin Louthen.

Arrangement:

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.

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

The Benjamin F. Gilbert Research Papers, MSS-2009-02-07, San José State University Library Special Collections and Archives.

Location of this collection:
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0028, US
Contact:
408-808-2062
special.collections@sjsu.edu
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