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Abraham and Henrietta Epstein Papers, 1920-1960 (majority within 1930-1942)

5 linear feet

Executive secretary of the American Association for Old Age Security (name later changed to American Association for Social Security.) Subject files relating to his work in behalf of the elderly poor and the unemployed worker; also collected papers of his wife Henrietta Epstein on the subject of social security.

The Abraham Epstein papers at the Bentley Historical Library provide the researcher insight into the careers of Abraham Epstein and Henrietta Epstein. Abraham Epstein's writings and portions of his correspondence demonstrate the depth of his commitment to social security and offer a look at his version of the ideal social security program. The papers, however, provide little insight into the workings of the AAOAS and AASS - organizations which were a vital and integral part of Abraham Epstein's life. It is only through study of the man and the organizations behind which he was the driving force that a thorough appreciation of his role in the social security movement can be gained.

The Abraham Epstein papers at the Michigan Historical Collections are divided into two subgroups: Abraham Epstein and Henrietta Epstein. Both subgroups are further divided into two series: Correspondence (arranged topically), and Topical Files.

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Abraham Epstein

Of interest to the researcher are Abraham Epstein's files of correspondence with the Social Security Board, in which he discusses his views of the theory, content, and implementation of the Social Security Act. In his Topical Files, there are extensive holdings of articles and writings, many issues of the AASS monthly bulletin, and interesting industrial handbooks, published in the 1920s, from various British Isle firms. The pension and insurance programs of European firms shaped, in part, Epstein's early views on social security.