Letter from Tom Wilsted, Director of the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center
Dear Friends:
Let me begin by welcoming each of you who visit this website. We appreciate your interest in the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center whether this is the first time you have visited or whether you come here often.
The Dodd Research Center has three major components. It is the home of wonderful research collections that document Connecticut’s and America’s history. Materials are available to anyone pursuing his or her research interests. Students, scholars, and interested researchers can:
- View photographic evidence from the Nuremberg Trials in the Thomas J. Dodd Papers
- Read newspapers from the Black Panther Party in the Alternative Press Collection
- Listen to Blues recordings in the Charters Archive of African American and Vernacular Music
- Read the first English or American edition of Black Beauty or
- Study artist’s books that are created in unusual shapes and with unique features
The Dodd Research Center is a building that provides space for public programs such as exhibits and meeting rooms and an auditorium for student, faculty and public use. During the course of a semester you could attend a:
- Holocaust remembrance
- Human Rights film series
- Lecture on climate change and global warming
- Seminar on food as a basic human right
- Exhibit on the 125th Anniversary of the University of Connecticut
Finally, the Dodd Research Center itself sponsors specific public programs that focus on its collections including lectures and conferences on a variety of topics such as human rights, business and natural history. A sample of past speakers includes:
- Economist Alan Greenspan
- Senator George Mitchell
- Author and human rights activist Samantha Power
- Professor Michael Ignatieff
- Author Barry Lopez
- Environmentalist Paul Ehrlich
It is only possible to provide the collections, programs and facilities because of the support of many people.
Our many wonderful donors are a crucial element. While some organizations and individuals contribute materials that augment our collections, many offer generous financial support.
Another vital group is our many volunteers who offer their time and expertise, counsel us as members of the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center’s National Advisory Board, organize and catalog collections or assist us in presenting special programs and events.
Finally the Dodd Research Center staff is key to our success. They bring passion and expertise including archival and library knowledge and skills, training and experience in planning events and managing programs and facilities.
I hope you have the opportunity to discover the many resources the Dodd Research Center offers through our website and our online resources. We are constantly reaching further and we welcome your comments on the types of information that you need to pursue your research, discover information about upcoming programs, or use its facilities.
Sincerely,
Tom Wilsted
Director, Thomas J. Dodd Research Center