Scope and Content Note
The papers of Martin Agronsky (1915-1999) span the years 1907 to 2002, with the bulk of the material dating from 1940 to 1990. The papers are organized in the following series: Correspondence , Speeches and Writings File , Miscellany , Addition , and Oversize .
The Correspondence series primarily contains letters written by colleagues and the public to Agronsky in response to his newscasts. Incoming and outgoing letters and telegrams document communications between Agronsky and his network supervisors regarding news assignments.
The Speeches and Writings File , especially the scripts of Agronsky's newscasts, forms the centerpiece of the papers. The material dates from his career as a foreign correspondent in Europe, Australia, and Asia during World War II and continues through the Cold War years. His coverage of the Adolf Eichmann trial in Israel earned him the Alfred I. DuPont Award in 1962. Other scripts include his work on documentary films. The speech file contains correspondence, notes, and texts pertaining to his lectures on political and economic subjects. Research material includes news clippings, notes, and printed matter relating to the subjects on which Agronsky frequently lectured.
The Miscellany series consists primarily of appointment books, awards, biographical material, and items related to organizations with which Agronsky was associated.
The Addition series mostly expands upon the material contained within the collection as it was initially processed and includes additional broadcast scripts, speeches, clippings, awards, subject files, and biographical materials. The correspondence includes communications with colleagues and the public regarding news assignments, and also incoming and outgoing correspondence between Agronsky and his parents, and outgoing letters to his first wife, Helen Smathers. The addition also contains photographs and materials associated with Agronsky’s death, including obituaries, letters of condolence, and research materials on Agronsky compiled by family members.