Board of Trustees: Robert Benjamin papers

Collection

Identifier: 01-MWalb00329A

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains materials related to the life and varied career of Robert S. Benjamin (1909-1979), who was a Brandeis Trustee, and served as Chair of the Board of Trustees from 1977-1979. Outside of his work with the University, Benjamin was a lawyer, serving as part of the law firm of Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin, Krim & Ballon from 1925-1978. He was also a Co-Chairman of the United Artists Corporation from 1951-1978, before resigning in 1978 and helping to form a new production company, Orion Pictures. Additionally, Benjamin served as the senior adviser to the United States delegation to the United Nations in 1975, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the United Nations Development Corporation in 1977, and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the United Nations Association of the United States. He was also active in politics, fundraising for several Democratic candidates for president, and as a member of the New York State Electoral College in 1960.

Materials in this collection include photographs, awards, transcripts of speeches and of an oral history collected by Thomas Soapes, as well as correspondence related to the career activities of Robert Benjamin, including his work with United Nations, the United Artists Corporation, and various political endeavors. Also included are biographical materials, personal correspondence, and publications.

Source: "Historical Notes," Brandeis Board of Trustees website; "Robert Benjamin, 70, Executive Of Film Company and a Lawyer," The New York Times, Oct. 23, 1979

Dates

1950s-1980s, undated

Conditions Governing Access

This collection has not yet been fully reviewed for restricted materials, though restrictions are likely needed throughout. Please contact the University Archives & Special Collections in advance to request access.

Conditions Governing Use

Requests to reproduce or publish material from the collection should be directed to the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University.

Extent

12 Linear Feet (9 record center boxes, 1 oversized flat box, 1 tall manuscript box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

There is no discernable arrangement noted for this collection.

Custodial History

The bulk of this collection was donated to the Archives in one accession by Mrs. Jean Benjamin, widow of Robert Benjamin, in 1981. Some oversized memorabilia materials were transferred to the Archives by John Rexine, Rose Art Museum Staff Member, in 1999.

Processing Information

Collection was maintained in the order in which it was received by the archives.

Folder titles were used to conduct a deductive restrictions review, indicating the need for restrictions throughout the collection.

Folder titles appear to be original to the creator.