Collection Guide
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Samuel Kohs papers BANC MSS 2010/787
BANC MSS 2010/787
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
The Bancroft Library
Title: Samuel Kohs papers
creator:
Kohs, S.C. (Samuel Calmin)
Identifier/Call Number: BANC MSS 2010/787
Physical Description:
12.55 linear feet
10 cartons, 1 oversize folder
Date (inclusive): 1907-1984
Abstract: The Samuel Kohs papers document the rich history and contributions of a noted psychologist and social worker.
Language of Material: Collection materials are in English.
Physical Location: Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information
on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Collection is open for research.
[Identification of item], Samuel Kohs papers, BANC MSS 2010/787, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.
Materials in this collection may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction
of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions,
privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond
that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively
with the user.
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the
Head of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley 94720-6000. See: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/reference/permissions.html.
There are no alternate forms of this collection.
The Samuel Kohs papers were transferred to The Bancroft Library from the Judah L. Magnes Museum in 2010.
No additions are expected.
Arranged to the folder level.
Processed by Jeffrey P. Sahaida in 2015.
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Samuel Kohs papers document the rich history and contributions of a noted psychologist and social worker. These records
consist of Kohs' professional and personal papers and are divided accordingly into two series:
- Series I: Professional Papers
- Series II: Personal Papers
Subjects and Indexing Terms
California -- San Francisco Bay Area -- Jews
United States -- Psychology
Kohs, S.C. (Samuel Calmin)
Jewish Family Service Agency (San Francisco, Calif.)
Jewish Committee for Personal Service
Federation of Jewish Charities
Jewish Welfare Federation of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties
National Jewish Welfare Board. Bureau of War Records