Ben Russak papers,

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions on personal use. Permission to publish material from the Ben Russak papers must be obtained from Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Preferred citation:

Ben Russak papers, C0221, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries.

Summary

Extent:
2.25 linear feet (5 boxes)
Creator:
Russak, Ben.
Abstract:
The Ben Russak papers is a collection of Federal Theatre Project and Federal Writers' Project material collected by Ben Russak from 1935 to 1942. The papers include playscripts and publications created by the Federal Theatre Project, as well as pamphlets and collections of folklore material created by the Federal Writers' Project.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Ben Russak papers, C0221, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The Ben Russak papers is a collection of Federal Theatre Project and Federal Writers' Project material collected by Ben Russak from 1935 to 1942. The papers include playscripts and publications created by the Federal Theatre Project, as well as pamphlets and collections of folklore material created by the Federal Writers' Project. The collection is divided into two series based on origination of the material. Series one consists of material from the Federal Theatre Project and includes playscripts, magazine publications, and folk songs. Series two consists of material from the Federal Writers' Project including manuscripts, Nebraska folklore, and research pamphlets.

Biographical / historical:

The Federal Theatre Project was a division of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided employment for large numbers of artists, writers, and performers during the Great Depression (1929-1939). The Federal Theatre began in 1935 and, until its end in 1939, flourished as the first and only federally sponsored and subsidized theater program in the United States. Directed by Hallie Flanagan (1880-1969), it was a way for theatrical professionals to gain employment during the Depression.

Acquisition information:
Papers donated to Special Collections and Archives by Ben Russak on March 26 and April 17, 1979.
Processing information:

Processing and EAD markup completed in October 2012 by Greta Kuriger Suiter.

Arrangement:

Collection is organized into two series. Each series is arranged alphabetically by folder title.

  1. Series 1: Federal Theatre Project, 1935-1939 (Boxes 1-4)
  2. Series 2: Federal Writers' Project, 1937-1942 (Boxes 4-5)
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard