POL. Politics

 Record Group
Identifier: POL
Alexander Heard, the Vanderbilt Heard Libraries’ namesake and a prominent political scientist who served as chancellor of Vanderbilt University from 1963 to 1982, inspired Special Collections to begin collecting political material during his tenure. This subject area includes material related to politics on all levels, from the local to the global stage. The primary focus is politicians’ papers, with a sub-focus of diplomacy and law. Highlights include the Southern Politics Collection, the Lamar Alexander Papers, and the James R. Sasser Papers.

Found in 47 Collections and/or Records:

John J. Hooker Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0933
Abstract

This collection contains the papers of John J. Hooker, attorney, businessman, and perennial political candidate in Tennessee.

Dates: 1957 - 2016

Roy Neel Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0961
Abstract

This collection contains the papers of Roy Neel, Democratic operative and longtime top assistant to Vice President Al Gore, Jr. and President Bill Clinton. He served as Chief of Staff to Vice President Gore and Deputy Chief of Staff to President Clinton.

Dates: circa 1960s-2010s

Hal Hardin Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.1041

Jane Eskind Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.1099
Abstract

The Jane Eskind Papers, 1911 – 2016, consists of political, personal, social, and organizational documents, along with photos, clippings, and correspondence of politician and advocate Jane Eskind (1933-2016).

Dates: 1911 - 2016

Knox Pitts Family Political Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.1118
Abstract

The Knox Pitts Family Political Collection, 1930-2020, contains political materials collected by members of the Knox Pitts family in Tennessee.

Dates: 1930 - 2020

Adrian Shanker Interview Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.1162
Abstract

The Adrian Shanker Interview Collection, March 2025, consists of an interview Adrian Shanker conducted with politician Lamar Alexander, b. 1940.

Dates: 2025-03

Early United States Legal Letter Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.1220
Abstract

The Early United States Legal Letter Collection, 1779-1792, consists of a letter written by United States Chief Justice John Jay, 1745-1829, and a letter written by U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice John Blair, 1732-1800.

Dates: 1779 - 1792

Nathaniel Bacon Legal Document

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.1221
Abstract

The Nathaniel Bacon Legal Document, 1629, is a case and opinion relating to the affairs of Sir Nathaniel Bacon, 1546-1622, a Member of Parliament and High Sheriff of Norfolk.

Dates: 1629

George Hammond Sullivan Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0425

Jesse Taylor, Jr. Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0618

J. Leiper Freeman Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0157
Abstract

This collection contains the papers of John Leiper Freeman, Jr., professor of political science at Vanderbilt University in the 1960s-1980s.

Dates: circa 1950s-1988

George Graham Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0662

Erwin Hargrove Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0190

Political Buttons Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0863
Abstract

Collection of 10-15 political buttons from 1960-1990s including Clinton/Gore and Kennedy/Johnson.

Dates: 1959 - 1993

Seymour Samuels Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0381

J. Louis Adams Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0019
Abstract

The J. Louis Adams Collection, 1946-1947, consist of 11 bound volumes of notes taken during law classes at Vanderbilt University by James Louis Adams, Jr., 1905-1964.

Dates: 1946 - 1947

Joseph Anderson Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0890
Abstract

This collection contains 10 letters dated 1815-1832 signed by Joseph Anderson, U.S. Senator from Tennessee from 1797-1815 and Comptroller of the U.S. Treasury from 1815-1836.

Dates: 1815 - 1832

Jonathan I. Charney Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0470

Paul J. Hartman Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0628

Robert Harvey Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS.0661

About this Site

This site contains collection guides, or finding aids, to the archival collections held by Vanderbilt University Special Collections and University Archives, the History of Medicine Collection, and the Scarritt Bennett Center. Finding aids describe the context, arrangement, and structure of archival materials, allowing users to identify and request materials relevant to their research.

Requesting Materials

Each finding aid contains a link to request materials from the collections. Collections can also be requested by emailing the repository directly through the library website. Each repository has its own location, hours, and contact information. Please consult the repository with questions about using the materials. Collections are non-circulating and must be used in the repository’s reading room. In many cases, the collections are stored off-site and require advance notice for retrieval.