Harold Edward Woodsum, Jr. was born on August 13, 1931 in Portland, Maine, the son of Harold Edward Woodsum and Ethel York. He attended Yale University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1953 and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1958. He was awarded an honorary Master of Arts degree from Yale in 1979. Woodsum later attended Westbrook College and earned a Doctor of Laws degree in 1991. He was co-founder and partner in the law firm of Drummond, Woodsum, Plimpton McMahon from 1965 to 1988. In 1988, Woodsum became the Director of Athletics of Yale University and remained in that position until 1994. He was elected into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. Woodsum is a past trustee of both Yale University and Westbrook College.
A longtime supporter of environmental issues, Woodsum served in several organizations including the Maine Coast Heritage Trust. His thirteen year career in the National Audubon Society began with his election to the board of directors in 1981. He was elected treasurer in 1985 and served as chairman of the board from 1988 to 1993.
From the guide to the Harold Edward Woodsum, Jr. papers, 1984-1994, (Manuscripts and Archives)
