The collection, 1927, 2017, and undated, was reprocessed and rehoused in 2017. The original folders were dated and varied in style and completion. totals approximately 42 cubic ft. (in 81 boxes, 1 reel of film, 4 quadruplex videotapes, 2 oversized folders, 1 box of cassettes, 1 box of films, 1 oversized notebook, 1 oversized album, 1 box of notecards).
During reprocessing, the collection was rehoused into two large series of Materials Created, Edited by Kirk (Boxes 1-46 partial) and Materials Created by Others or information Kirk collected for reference or research purposes (Boxes 46 partial-81). Subseries and information within subseries are organized in alphabetical and chronological order. If no journal is listed on the label, it is because one is not identified in the article. Overall the collection is in good physical condition. See note on acidic materials in Processing Note below.
A folder of biographical information about Kirk is in the front of the collection. This includes information about him from several sources. All boxes are .5 letter-size unless otherwise noted.
The series Materials created by Kirk includes: various copies and drafts of manuscripts and typescripts of articles, published articles, book drafts, book reviews, cassettes, college essays and journal articles he wrote or edited, his columns “From the Academy,” 1956-1969, and “To the Point,” 1962-1975, a play, a scrapbook and a binder, both with selections of Kirk's "To the Point", manuscripts and typescripts of speeches, and textbook evaluations.
All letters or personal correspondence in the collection are CLOSED to researchers. Personal Requests to access ANY of the CORRESPONDENCE in the collection must go through the Clarke Historical Library Director (as of February 18, 2016). This is a total of three boxes (1.5 cu.ft.) of letters. Some of the letters are only to Kirk, while others are between Kirk and his correspondent, 1945-1971 (scattered) including, notably: William F. Buckley, Jr., Gerald R. Ford, mostly thank you notes while Ford was a Michigan Representative, Barry Goldwater, and Richard M. Nixon, mostly thank you notes while Nixon was working for a law firm in New York City.
The series Materials created by others includes: scholarly and other articles and other publication reprints, book reviews of Kirk’s books, conference papers, essays, a film, monographs, newsletters, college and university papers, plays, poetry, reading materials, reports, speeches, , statements, studies, theses. Examples of Kirk Center brochures, Permanent Things newsletters and website information are also included. Creators of significant parts of this series include the Taft Institute for Government, National Right to Work Foundation, and the National Right to Work Committee (U.S.).
Four quadruplex two inch videotapes in blue, hard plastic containers are also included. These document an interview program with Kirk entitled “Conversations with a Bohemian Tory,” which was recorded on April 22, 1970 by WCMUTV. Each videotape records about thirty minutes and is black and white. In 2017, the Clarke has no means to play qudruplex videotapes.
While the vast majority of the collection is in English, there is with one article each in French (Box 43), German (Box 55), and Spanish (Box 61).
The last item is a film in a blue film canister. The film was added by the Archivist to a national film inventory, AVCC, in 2017. The film's description is as follows: Film ID Number: 308-1 Format: 16mm, black and white, optical sound. Date: Film edge code date: 1955 Size: 1000ft. Information off of film: Facts Forum / Academic Freedom by Russell Kirk. Overview of scenes: Includes five men in suits, some smoking, behind desks, discussing conservative political thought and Russell Kirk’s new book, Academic Freedom. Men in the film include: Russell Kirk, Prof. Hodges (first name unspecified); William F. Buckley, Jr.; George H. Combs, Jr.; Hardy Burt (commentator). This was one in a series of professionally produced television show funded by H.L. Hunt on conservative political thought. This show was produced by Franka Hernan, Vernon Lewis Productions, NYC. This is a user copy, which generation is unknown. Physical Information: .04 film shrinkage, 0 out of 3 on the AD strip acidity scale – by Jen Bentley, spring 2015.
Books by Kirk are located in both the Park and Clarke Historical libraries.
One cubic foot of duplicates and acidic materials, once copied, were returned to the donor as per the donor agreement. In a few cases there is acidic material in formats difficult to photocopy, such as uncut, folded pages or oversized. The decision was made to leave the material as it is and not copy it. The fact that the contents is acidic is noted in the Box and Folder Listing.
