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RESTRICTIONS:

Access to this collection is unrestricted with the exception of select files noted below which contain individual constituent information of a sensitive nature. Researchers seeking access to these materials should contact the head of Special Collections and Archives.

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Summary

Abstract:
The Leo W. O' Brien Papers document O'Brien's service in the House of Representative where he served from 1952-1966 on behalf of Albany, NY. The collection includes subject files, correspondence and various communications materials from his Congressional tenure.
Extent:
6.25 cubic ft.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, Leo W. O'Brien Papers, 1939-1966. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as the O'Brien Papers).

Background

Scope and Content:

The Leo W. O'Brien Papers document his service in the U.S. Congress representing Albany, New York. The O'Brien Papers consist of subject files, the largest series, correspondence, and communications containing newspaper clippings and speeches. Researchers should note the many materials focusing on O'Brien's interest in Alaska and Hawaii statehood and governance of U.S. territories, including Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Please note that O'Brien's predecessor Representative William T. Byrne created the earliest materials in this collection from 1939 and the early 1940s. O'Brien retained select papers of Byrne's, filed them and later added his own materials on the same subjects to the files.

Biographical / Historical:

Leo W. O'Brien was born in Buffalo, Erie County, New York on September 21, 1900. He graduated from Niagara University in Niagara, New York in 1922. He pursued a career in journalism and worked for The International News Service, The Albany Knickerbocker Press, the Albany Times-Union and other newspapers. He was a newsman and radio and television commentator in Albany for 30 years.

A Democrat, O'Brien was elected in 1952 in a special election to fill Representative William T. Byrne's seat after Byrne's death. O'Brien was subsequently elected for a full term and then returned to Congress for the next six terms, retiring in 1966. O'Brien first represented the 32nd Congressional District, and, after redistricting, the 30th and later the 29th.

O'Brien was a member of the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and led the Statehood for Alaska and Hawaii movement. He sponsored legislation to create the Fire Island National Seashore and also supported plans to protect the Hudson River. O'Brien was later chair of the Albany County Planning Board and the Adirondack Study Commission.

O'Brien died at 81 years of age on May 4, 1982 and was survived by his wife, son, and eight grandchildren.

Acquisition information:
Leo W. O'Brien donated his papers to Syracuse University in a series of acquisitions between 1966-1969. In 2006 the papers were transferred to the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives.
Processing information:

Processed in 2012 by Angela Perez.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into the following series:

  1. Series 1 - Subject Files, 1939-1966, Undated
  2. Series 2 - Correspondence, 1940-1966, Undated
  3. Series 3 - Communication, 1942-1966, Undated

All series are arranged alphabetically by subject.

Physical location:
The materials are located onsite in the department.

Contents

Access

Using These Materials

ACCESS:
The archives are open to the public and anyone is welcome to visit and view the collections.
RESTRICTIONS:

Access to this collection is unrestricted with the exception of select files noted below which contain individual constituent information of a sensitive nature. Researchers seeking access to these materials should contact the head of Special Collections and Archives.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of copyright. Whenever possible, the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives will provide information about copyright owners and other restrictions, but the legal determination ultimately rests with the researcher. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

PREFERRED CITATION:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, Leo W. O'Brien Papers, 1939-1966. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as the O'Brien Papers).

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