Collection inventory

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David Bennett Papers

An inventory of his papers at the Syracuse University Archives

Finding aid created by: Emily Rindahl
Date: 2016

Revision history:
June 2023	Media restriction added and style corrections made (MAM)

Biography

David Harry Bennett (1935- ) is a Professor Emeritus and alumnus of Syracuse University as well as a notable scholar.

Bennett grew up in Syracuse, New York and attended Nottingham High School before being admitted to Syracuse University. While at the University, Bennet was made the Editorial editor of the Daily Orange from 1955 to 1956. After graduating from Syracuse University in 1956 with a degree in American Studies, he went on to attend the University of Chicago and graduated with a Ph.D. in 1963. While completing his last years of graduate school Bennett was an instructor in American Studies at Syracuse University. From this position he was appointed Assistant Professor of History and American Studies, a role he remained in from 1963 to 1969. He then became an Associate Professor of history from 1969 to 1975, before accepting a position as a professor of history in 1975.

Although most of Bennett's courses have centered on his interests in modern American history and modern military history, he has also taught numerous interdisciplinary courses and even helped create the Master's of Social Science Program at Syracuse University. With Bennett's assistance, the program developed a core in military history, which led to a large number of serving officers in the United States armed forces to apply to the program. It also prompted the beginning of the "Front Line Series," comprising 15 to 20 courses designed to be sent to military units serving in "Operation Desert Shield" in 1990. For this, Bennett developed lectures, readings, and assignments focused on World War II military history, which were then completed by the Marines overseas and returned to Bennett for grading. This series helped many servicemen work towards earning their college degrees.

In addition to the many courses Bennett has taught throughout his time at Syracuse University, he has also been very involved in campus life. Bennett served as chair on many committees, including the Executive Committee of the College of Arts and Sciences, Athletic Policy Board, and Faculty Oversight Committee as well as the Department of History itself. He was also Syracuse University’s Faculty Athletics Representative to the NCAA and contributed to moving the NCAA towards including women and women’s sports. Bennett is one of the longest serving members of the University Senate, having served from 1969 to 2013. Outside of academic involvement, he played a role in the Syracuse University student strike of 1970, creating the Committee for a Free University and petitioning against the formal closure of the University, despite those who did not agree with him.

Over the course of his career at Syracuse University, Bennett has received several awards for his academic teaching. He has been named Syracuse University Scholar-Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher, Alumni Teacher of the Year, and he received the Chancellor’s Citation for Exceptional Academic Achievement. Additionally, Bennett was awarded the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence in 2001, as a recognition of his teaching efforts.

As a scholar, Bennett has authored numerous books, papers, and articles, which he has had published or presented at conferences over the years. Two of his most notable books are The Party of Fear: From Nativist Movements to the New Right in American History (University of North Carolina Press, 1988) and Demagogues in the Depression: American Radicals and the Union Party, 1932-36 (Rutgers University Press, 1969). He has also published a book about Bill Clinton entitled Bill Clinton: Building a Bridge to the New Millennium (Routledge, 2014).

Scope and Content Note

The David Bennett Papers document Bennett's time as a professor at Syracuse University. The papers comprise three series:

Research and writings include articles, lectures, books, book reviews, notes and other papers. Of note is his autobiographical essay which he wrote at the request of the University Archives, which includes his experience as a faculty member during the 1970 Student Strike.

Syracuse University comprises materials documenting Bennett's work on University committees, in the History Department, and as a Faculty Athletics Representative. There is also a file on the 1970 Student Strike.

Teaching materials include syllabi, reading lists, teacher evaluation guides and other materials that document courses taught by Bennett.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions:

Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.

Access to media requires advance notice to produce a use copy.

Use Restrictions:

Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Related Material

The University Archives holds clippings and portrait files on David Bennett.

Selected Search Terms

Names

Bennett, David Harry, 1935-
Syracuse University -- Faculty.
Syracuse University -- History.
Syracuse University.
Syracuse University. -- Department of History.

Subjects

Student movements.
Student strikes.
College teachers.
Higher education.

Types of Material

Correspondence.
DVDs.
Writings (documents)

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

David Bennett Papers,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Gift of David Bennett in 2016.

Processing Information

Materials were placed in acid-free folders and boxes.

Table of Contents

Research and writings

Syracuse University

Teaching materials

Inventory