Edward R. and Janet Brewster Murrow papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0576

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Edward Roscoe Murrow and Janet Brewster Murrow Papers contain correspondence, published and unpublished writings, subject files, financial and legal records, biographical material, memorabilia, Brewster and Murrow family papers and photographs, chiefly dating from 1929-1965. Of particular note are letters written by and to the Murrows while they were in Great Britain during World War II which reflect his work as director of European broadcasting for CBS, Inc. and her duties as executive director of the London Committee of Bundles for Britain, Inc. Also includes letters and other documents concerning his service as director of the United States Information Agency (1961-1964) and her association with Reid Hall, Inc., Sydenham Hospital (New York), Vidyodaya Girls' High School (India) and other organizations, usually as a volunteer worker.

Dates

Creation: 1860

Conditions Governing Access

Unrestricted

Biographical Note

Edward R. Murrow was born as Egbert Roscoe Murrow on April 25, 1908 near Greensboro, North Carolina. He graduated from Washington State College in 1930 and then served a two year term as president of the National Student Federation of America. He joined the Emergency Committee in Aid of Displaced German Scholars in 1933 and did occasional radio talks. Based on these broadcasts he was hired as director of talks and education for CBS in 1935. In 1934 he married Janet Brewster, a 1933 Mount Holyoke College graduate, who served on the board of trustees for three terms. In 1937 they went to London while Edward was head of the CBS European Bureau. He stayed in Europe throughout the war, covering the Battle of Britain and the Munich Conference, among other events. When he returned to the United States he became vice-president of the news at CBS. In 1951 he moved from radio to television, with a documentary called "See it now." In 1953, in the height of McCarthyism, Murrow aired a program which forced the secretary of the Air Force to review its policies. Additional programs brought similar results. In 1961 Murrow left CBS to become director of the U.S. Information Agency under President Kennedy. He retired in 1964, and died the following year.

Extent

19.52 Linear Feet (46 boxes: 40 full Hollinger, 5 half Hollinger, 1 oversize (20.5"x3.75"x16.75"), and 1 film reel slipcase (13.25"x1.5"x13.5") 3 volumes: one 14.25"x2"x12.75", one 13"x1.5"x11", one 13"x1.25"x9.5")

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Murrow, Edward Roscoe, 1908-1965, radio and television journalist and United States Information Agency director, and Janet Huntington Brewster Murrow, 1910-1998, Mount Holyoke College graduate, 1933, and staff member, 1970-1978, and volunteer worker. Papers contain correspondence, writings, memorabilia, biographical information, and photographs. Primarily concerning their personal and professional lives, including their experience during World War II when he was Director of European Broadcasting for CBS, Inc., and she was executive director of the London Committee of Bundles for Britain, Inc.