Correspondence, circa 1970-2022

Scope and content:

Contains mostly outgoing and incoming correspondence in the form of typescript, handwritten letters, and email print-outs. Occasional clippings, extracts, and notes sent by correspondents are also included. Topics are chiefly related to particular events such as Bell's resignation in 1974 from the Attica investigation, the publication of his New York Times whistle-blowing article in 1975, court case decisions, or Attica more broadly. Significant correspondents include Tom Wicker, a New York Times journalist, author, and political commentator; Don Jelinek, a defense attorney for Attica inmates and author; and Heather Ann Thompson, historian and author. Correspondence can also be found throughout the collection, including the Subject files series and the Writings, Speeches, and Interviews series.

Processing information:

Some correspondence was grouped by Bell in large envelopes; other items were organized by library staff.

Arrangement:

Arranged in loosely related groups organized by Bell or by correspondent.

Contents

Using These Materials