University of Michigan. War Historian.

Dates:

Active 1941

Active 1945

Biographical notes:

Office headed by F. Clever Bald, and established to collect materials documenting activities of University of Michigan during World War II.

From the description of War Historian (University of Michigan) records, 1941-1945. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34421111

The first University War Historian, Howard Peckham, was appointed by the Regents in July 1943 to collect and preserve records of "he University’s share in the war effort of the country, both through work done upon the Campus and through participation elsewhere by Faculty members, alumni and students." The War Historian was ultimately charged with producing a comprehensive history of the university’s contribution to the war effort. This decision was made partly for historical posterity, and in part for practical reasons, once university leaders realized that very little was known about the university war effort during World War I. They felt that their job would have been easier if there were examples of how planning and administration had been carried out during the previous war.

Peckham, who was Curator of Manuscripts at the William L. Clements Library, proved to be an energetic War Historian. He actively sought out the records of program administrators across campus, wrote reports to publicize his efforts (several of which appeared in the Alumni Quarterly Review ), and also appealed to alumni and students serving in the armed forces to send him material. When Peckham resigned in January 1945, historian F. Clever Bald continued this work.

From the guide to the War Historian (University of Michigan) records, 1941-1945., 1941-1945, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)