Purdue Research Foundation records, 1930-2011 | Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections

By John Michael Foster

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Collection Overview

Title: Purdue Research Foundation records, 1930-2011

Predominant Dates:1947-1960

Primary Creator: Purdue Research Foundation (1930-)

Extent: 8.2 Cubic feet. More info below.

Arrangement: Materials in Series 1 and 3 are arranged by document type. Series 2 items are arranged according to project number.

Date Acquired: 11/01/2010

Subjects: National Defense, Purdue Research Foundation, Ross, David, 1871-1943

Forms of Material: Calendars, Minutes, Reports

Languages: English

Abstract

Project reports, research director’s calendars and reports, meeting minutes, and other records of the Purdue Research Foundation.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The Purdue Research Foundation Records (1930-2011; 8.2 cubic feet) documents the history and function of the Purdue Research Foundation, from its founding in 1930. The bulk of the collection consists of materials from the 1940s and 1950s, including administrative records and project reports. Materials from other years are far less prominent. Documents within the collection include calendars, minutes, proposals, and reports. The Purdue Research Foundation Records are organized into three series: Administrative Records, 1933-2011; Project Reports, 1947-1960; and Miscellaneous Purdue Research Foundation Materials, 1931-2011

Biographical Note

Founded in 1930, the Purdue Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization. Through contributions, the foundation provides scholarships, graduate fellowships, faculty grants, and cost-sharing grants. The foundation also manages the Purdue Research Park and Office of Technology Commercialization. Originally envisioned by David E. Ross, the Purdue Research Foundation enables Purdue University, as a public institution, to contract and conduct research with industrial innovators and developers. Ross, together with Josiah K. Lilly of the Eli Lilly and Company, initially donated $50,000 to launch the foundation, which exists today to “manage and license Purdue’s intellectual property, accept gifts, administer trusts, acquire property, negotiate research contracts and perform other services helpful to Purdue.” Earnings from long term investments and income from gifts, rentals, and royalties, constitute the foundation’s revenue.

Subject/Index Terms

National Defense
Purdue Research Foundation
Ross, David, 1871-1943

Administrative Information

Repository: Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections

Alternate Extent Statement: 5 c.f. boxes, 9 mss. boxes

Access Restrictions: Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions: Purdue University

Physical Access Note: No physical restrictions.

Acquisition Source: Purdue Research Foundation

Acquisition Method: Records transfer

Preferred Citation: UA 3, The Purdue Research Foundation records, Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries

Processing Information: All materials have been housed in acid-free boxes, and when applicable, acid-free folders. Much of the collection is organized by document type, with the project reports comprising Series 2 are arranged by the numerical designation of the project, rather than the year of the report. This corresponds with the order in which they were found.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Administrative Records, 1933-2011],
[Series 2: Project Reports, 1947-1960],
[Series 3: Miscellaneous Purdue Research Foundation Materials, 1931-2011],
[All]

Series 1: Administrative Records, 1933-2011

Series includes PRF Research Council meeting minutes, 1955-1959; research director’s calendars, 1933-1941, 1948, and reports, 1950-1954; miscellaneous summaries and reports from the 1950s and 1980s-2010s; proposals for McClure Research Park, 1965-1966; and XR Fund and Fellowship materials, 1933-1959. Director’s calendars served as case histories of active and on-going projects. They were presented each year at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Purdue Research Foundation.

Materials in the series are arranged chronologically by document type. (3.2 cubic feet)

Series 2: Project Reports, 1947-1960

Series consists of project reports submitted by PRF-funded researchers between 1947 and 1960. Many of the projects were related to the defense industry, research conducted under contract with the U.S. armed forces, as well as the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and National Science Foundation. The project reports are especially revealing when viewed in the context of national defense and the development of military technology during the initial decade of the Cold War.

The project reports are arranged according to their original project number. (4.4 cubic feet)

Series 3: Miscellaneous Purdue Research Foundation Materials, 1931-2011

Series consists of materials related to the original organization and purpose of the PRF and David E. Ross’ involvement in the establishment of the PRF’s XR Fund. Other materials, such as booklets and newsletters, are included in this series.

Materials in the series are arranged by document type. (0.6 cubic feet)