Guide to the Terry Sanford Papers, 1926-1996
Collection Overview
The Terry Sanford Papers document Sanford's career as a United States Senator from North Carolina from 1986 to 1992. The collection contains papers dated from 1926-1992, with the bulk of the material dated between 1986 and 1992. His senatorial campaigns, views on issues, interactions with constituents, and activities in committees of which he was a member are documented throughout the collection. Sanford served on the following U. S. Senate committees: Select Committee on Ethics (Chair); Special Committee on Aging; Budget; Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, including the Subcommittee on International Finance and Monetary Policy and Subcommittee on Securities; and Foreign Relations, including Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs (Chair), Subcommittee on African Affairs, and Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere and Peace Corps Affairs.
Senator Sanford's 1986 and 1992 campaigns are portrayed in the Press Files Series, particularly in the Videos Subseries and the Speeches Subseries. The Personal/Political Series contains Sanford's personal files from these campaigns. His views on the topics of education, health care, civil rights, foreign relations, and the environment are also documented in the Videos Subseries in interviews with Sanford and in campaign commercials; in the Speeches Subseries as well as in the Press Issues Subseries of the Press Files Series, and in the Voting Record Subseries of the Legislative Files Series.
Records of Sanford's activities on the committees on which he served (Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Foreign Relations; Budget; Select Committee on Ethics; Environment; and Appropriations) appear in the Legislative Files Series. His ideas and actions on the issues addressed by these committees are reflected in the General Correspondence Subseries of the Personal/Political Series.
Relationships with Sanford's constituents are documented in the Constituent Services Series. Both letters from constituents to Sanford and samples of standard form replies are included. Individual correspondence between Sanford and representatives of corporations and foundations are arranged alphabetically by the subject in the General Correspondence Subseries of the Personal/Political Series. The Videos Subseries of the Press Files Series includes lobbying material from industries.
Material in the Personal Journals Subseries of the Personal/Political Series is closed to patron use during Sanford's lifetime unless written approval from Sanford or his authorized representative has been acquired.
Several other area repositories hold collections pertaining to Senator Sanford's life and career. The Duke University Archives has records pertaining to Sanford's Presidency of Duke. Papers relating to his governorship are in the North Carolina Archives. His personal papers are among the holdings of the Wilson Library at the University of North Carolina.
Addition (1998-0323) is chiefly comprised of correspondence and printed material related to Sanford's political career, involvement in community, and membership in various organizations. They include files regarding the 517th Infantry (chiefly newsletters), a Battle of the Bulge reunion (1990), Central American affairs, and "miscellaneous memberships". Computer diskettes of Sanford's Senate journal document his career in the US Senate. (1982-1991) (780 items) (1.5 linear feet)
Addition (1999-0353) includes photographs and negatives of Sanford produced in 1987 for a senatorial portrait. (1987) (60 items) (.05 linear feet)
Addition (2000-0408) comprises 51 volumes of Sanford's Senate journal that cover June 1987 to August 1991; partial copies of his Senate schedules and 17 related micro-audio cassette tapes from July 1991 to March 1992; and other miscellaneous material concerning his senatorial campaigns of 1986 and 1992 and service in the Senate. This material was acquired from Sanford by Howard Covington and Marion Ellis for their use in writing Terry Sanford: Politics, Progress, and Outrageous Ambitions (Durham: Duke University Press, 1999). (1985-1995) (218 items) (3 linear feet)
Addition (2007-0078) (10 linear ft., 5650 items, dated circa 1986-1996) features material related to Sanford's 1986 senatorial campaign and to his book Outlive Your Enemies (published 1996). Senatorial campaign records include correspondence, voter surveys, campaign files, clippings, event flyers and invitations, videocassettes, and audiocassettes and other materials. The Outlive Your Enemies content consists of research files related to aging.
Addition (2010-0059) (3.6 lin. ft.; dated 1940s-1990s) includes hundreds of photographs from the Sanford family. The majority of these date from the 1980s and 1990s, while there are some earlier black and white prints from the 1940s and 1950s. Most are not labeled. There are also 2 photograph albums of family vacations to Africa (1988) and Europe (1990s). This material requires processing before use.
Addition (2012-0001) (0.2 lin. ft.; 150 items; dated 19602-2000s and undated) includes loose photographs and personal correspondence dating 1960s-2000s. The majority of these date from the 1970s. There are also miscellanous items including a 1987 Congressional Pictorial Directory. This material requires processing before use.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Terry Sanford Papers, 1926-1996
- Creator
- Sanford, Terry, 1917-1998
- Extent
- 228.6 Linear Feet, 130,000 Items
- Repository
- Duke University. David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
- Language
- English.
Series Quick Links
- Press Files Series, 1986-1992 and undated
- Constituent Services Series, 1986-1992 and undated
- Personal/Political, 1985-1992
- Legislative Files Series, 1986-1992
- Miscellaneous, 1987-1992
- Awards Series, 1965-1992 and undated
- Photographs Series, 1926-1992 and undated
- Oversize Materials
- Accessions 1998-0323 and 1999-0353
- Accession 2000-0408
- Addition, 2004 (2007-0078)
- Addition, 2010 (Acc. 2010-0059), 1940s-1990s
- Addition, 2012 (Acc. 2012-0001), 1960s-2000s
- Accession, date unknown (Acc. 2012-0056), 1991-1992
Administrative Information
A majority of collections are stored off site and must be requested at least 24 business hours in advance for retrieval. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
However, some of the additions to this collection are not immediately accessible, because they require further processing before use.
In addition, patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights form before using this collection.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
copyright interests in the papers of Terry Sanford have not been transferred to Duke University. For further information, see the section on copyright in the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Contents of the Collection
Press Files Series is divided into the following subseries: Clippings; Videos; Floor Statements; Speeches; Press Issues; Press Releases; TV and Radio Files; Newsletters; Editorials; Special Mailings; and Photographs.
Clippings, primarily from North Carolina newspapers. Chiefly major news and feature stories about Sanford, the 1992North Carolina Senatorial campaign, and various national campaigns.
Arranged chronologically.
Videos cover interviews, campaigns, constituent relations, and lobbying material from various industries.
Arranged chronologically.
Floor statements addressed to Congress by Sanford and others.
Arranged chronologically.
Speeches delivered during campaign appearances, for commencement addresses, and to civic organizations.
Arranged chronologically, 1987-1994. Folders of miscellaneous speeches, 1986-1992, at end of series.
Press Issues in the form of clippings, notes, memos, and reports.
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Press Releases stating Sanford's position on legislation and proposals pertaining to U.S. Senate and North Carolina issues.
Arranged chronologically.
Editorials; newsletters; television and radio files; and photographs.
Arranged alphabetically by subject within these formats.
Constituent Services Series is divided into the Correspondence Management System Subseries and the Replies to Constituents Subseries.
Consists chiefly of letters to Sanford from constituents expressing opinions on issues and of samples of standard form letters or cover sheets sent in response. Also included are data reports listing constituents' names and their stances on issues.
Arranged chronologically.
Photocopies of Sanford's replies to constituents on personal and public matters. Includes condolences, regrets, congratulations, and thank-you notes for gifts, campaign contributions, and support.
Arranged chronologically.
The Personal/Political series is divided into the following subseries: General Correspondence; Personal Correspondence; Correspondence Subject Files; Budget; Campaign; Appointment Books; Memoranda; Nominations; Advisory Board; Invitations; and Personal Journals.
General Correspondence Subseries consists of formal letters between Sanford and constituents, corporations, foundations, acquaintances, and colleagues.
Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by correspondent's last name.
Personal Correspondence Subseries includes correspondence regarding contributions; congratulations; thank-you notes; and personal letters from Sanford to friends, supporters, and colleagues.
Arranged chronologically by year, then alphabetically by correspondent's last name.
Files containing correspondence from interest groups, constituents, and colleagues expressing their opinions on particular issues.
Arranged alphabetically by issue and organization.
Contains vouchers, payment verifications, general office supply purchase records, and mail records.
Arranged alphabetically by subject and/or vendor.
Campaign Files Subseries contains campaign literature, position papers, clippings, correspondence, newsletters, advertising plans, fundraising information, and college campus organizing materials chiefly regarding the 1992North Carolina Senatorial election, although there is a little material for the 1986campaign.
Organized into three categories: Campaign 1986, Campaign 1992, and Campaign: Miscellaneous. Arranged alphabetically by subject within each category.
Appointment books and daily schedules of Sanford's committee meetings, civic activities, and travel plans.
Arranged chronologically within each box.
Memoranda between Sanford and staff concerning proposed legislation.
Arranged chronologically.
Nominations regarding judicial nominations and appointments, including biographical background information, newspaper clippings, and Sanford's notes and stands on nominees.
Arranged alphabetically by last name of nominee.
Requests to and from Sanford regarding his participation on advisory boards.
Arranged alphabetically.
Arranged chronologically.
Invitations to meetings, conferences, and receptions.
Personal Journals reflect daily entries and are closed to patron use during Sanford's lifetime unless written approval is acquired from Sanford or authorized representative.
The Legislative Files Series is divided into the following subseries: Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Foreign Relations; Budget; Select Committee on Ethics; Environment; Appropriations; Assistant's Files; Voting Record; and Miscellaneous.
This subseries is divided into four sections; arrangement within each section is alphabetically by subject.
Materials include committee hearings, banking legislation, correspondence, clippings, and statements about banking issues such as employee stock ownership plans, taxes, and corporate takeovers.
The bulk of this section focuses on United States trade with foreign countries. Includes legislation issues such as NAFTA and GATT.
Specifically deals with finance issues. Subjects consist of the federal reserve system and the savings and loans industry.
Primarily consists of housing legislation. Subjects include community development, federal housing, rural development, and rural housing. Urban issues addressed include mass transit, renewal, and revitalization programs.
Arranged alphabetically.
Rural housing, 1990
Foreign Relation Subseries is divided into the following sections: General Files; Nominations; International Commission for Central America Recovery and Development; Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs; Subcommittee on African Affairs; and Defense.
Computer generated files containing information on the Soviet Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Persian Gulf War, the INF treaty, and the North American Free Trade Agreement. Types of documents include committee and staff memoranda, reports, legislation, clippings, and Sanford's policy statements.
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Primarily consists of American Academy of Diplomacy submissions and Government Ethics Reports on nominees for ambassadorships and leadership positions of United States international agencies.
Arranged alphabetically by country or agency.
Includes committee and staff memoranda, legislation, correspondence, clippings, press releases, trip itineraries, and reports pertaining to Sanford's participation in the commission and to the broader Central American peace process.
Dated files arranged chronologically. Others arranged alphabetically by subject.
Correspondence, memoranda, reports, legislation, international agreements, maps, statements, and clippings from this subcommittee, which Sanford chaired. Subject covered include the Persian Gulf War and United States relations with Israel, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, and other nations in the Middle East.
Files are arranged alphabetically by subject
Reports, clippings, memoranda, and legislative proposals pertaining to United States policy towards South Africa.
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Correspondence, committee and staff memoranda, reports, proposed treaties and legislation, and clippings. Issues addressed include the Persian Gulf War, defense budget appropriations and authorization bills, veterans affairs, weaponry programs, treaties, military bases, and women in combat.
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Correspondence, clippings, staff memoranda, press statements, reports, testimonies, proposals, and other materials pertaining to the formulation of the federal budget. Subjects covered include Social Security, Head Start, drug programs, arts funding, proposed balanced budget constitutional amendments, and efforts to reform the budget process.
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Correspondence, reports, and documentation from this committee, which Sanford chaired.
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Correspondence, staff memoranda, clippings, reports, project plans, impact studies, and other background information. Correspondence includes lobbying material from various industries, environmental organizations, and constituents. Issues addressed include the Clean Air Act, rivers and wetlands, solid, radioactive, and nuclear waste management, forestry, energy resources and policy, North Carolina parks and wilderness legislation, and the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in Alaska.
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Correspondence, staff and committee memoranda, reports, clippings, and other materials pertaining to Senate appropriations bills.
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Primarily memoranda and correspondence of Sanford's legislative assistants, including many letters composed for Sanford. The materials address a broad range of legislative and other issues. Much of the subseries documents the relationships between Sanford's office and various government and private organizations.
Arranged alphabetically by subject and occasionally by the legislative assistant's last name.
Voting record and related statements by Sanford.
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Reports, testimonies, correspondence, staff memoranda, and other materials pertaining to a broad range of issues.
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
