Celebrating 50 Years of the Russell Library

A round logo with a blue outline, with the words "Celebrating 50 years: politics, policy making, public life."This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies. Dedicated in 1974 as the Richard B. Russell Memorial Library, it has since expanded into the state’s premiere archive and museum dedicated to politics, policymaking, and public life. It is now home to approximately 600 manuscript collections and almost 2,000 oral history interviews documenting Georgia history and an array of issues related to American politics. Additionally, the Russell Library is among the foremost repositories for modern congressional papers, home to the papers of sixteen U.S. senators and more than fifty U.S. representatives. The Russell Library is a proud founding member of the Association of Centers for the Study of Congress.

A unit of the University of Georgia Libraries, the Russell Library nurtures dynamic partnerships, organizes public programs and exhibitions, facilitates scholarly research and instruction, raises public awareness of the Library, its collections, and services, and provides learning opportunities to the communities it serves. In 2014, the Russell Library received a Governor's Award for the Arts and Humanities for “outstanding contributions to the civic or cultural vitality of the state.”

Please join us as we commemorate a half-century of preserving Georgia history and advancing the study of politics, policymaking, and public life, reflect on the Russell Library’s enduring commitment to civic education and scholarly achievement, and embrace a future of continued success and significance in Georgia and beyond.

 

50th Anniversary Celebration Events

Oct 22
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Richard B. Russell Special Collections Libraries , 271

A Conversation with Senator Saxby Chambliss and General Arnold Punaro

Join the Russell Library on Tuesday October 22nd, from 11am-12pm, for a conversation with former U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss and retired Marine Corps General Arnold Punaro for an insightful conversation on the state of American foreign policy and national defense in 2024 and beyond. Maryann Gallagher, Director of the Richard B. Russell Security Leadership Program (SLP), will moderate the event.

A light reception will follow. Guest parking can be found in the Hull Street Deck. Please take note of your license plate to validate parking at the front desk.

This lecture is part of the University's Signature Lecture Series. 

This event is part of the Russell Library 50th anniversary celebration.

More about the speakers:

Oct 22
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Richard B. Russell Special Collections Libraries , 271

America in the World: Challenges and Opportunities

Two legendary UGA professors, Gary Bertsch and Loch Johnson, will draw upon decades of real-world experience and scholarly expertise in a moderated discussion placing contemporary American foreign policy and international affairs into context.    

Nov 21
11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Richard B. Russell Special Collections Libraries , 271

2024 Election Recap: A Moderated Panel and Discussion

Please join the Russell Library on Thursday, November 21st at 11:30am, for a panel discussion on the results of the 2024 election cycle. Political reporters from the Atlanta Journal Constitution will join leading scholars to unpack the election outcomes and analyze potential implications for Georgia and the nation. Panelists include Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein from the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Trey Hood from the University of Georgia, and Seth C. McKee from Oklahoma State University. Joe Watson from the University of Georgia and Ronald Keith Gaddie from Texas Christian University will moderate. Charles S.  Bullock III, Richard B. Russell Professor of Political Science, will deliver concluding remarks.

Slideshow: A Look Back Over 50 Years

Board of Trustees, July 1974. Seated (l to r): Dick Rich, Mary Jewett, U.S. Rep. Phil Landrum, U.S. Senator Herman Talmadge, Louise Richardson Allen, Charles L. Gowan, Wyck A. Knox, Jr. Standing (l to r): Morris Bryan, Jr., Jasper Dorsey, William L. Norton Jr., Hugh Peterson, Jr., and John N. Booth, Foundation Secretary.

Board of Trustees, July 1974. Seated (l to r): Dick Rich, Mary Jewett, U.S. Rep. Phil Landrum, U.S. Senator Herman Talmadge, Louise Richardson Allen, Charles L. Gowan, Wyck A. Knox, Jr. Standing (l to r): Morris Bryan, Jr., Jasper Dorsey, William L. Norton Jr., Hugh Peterson, Jr., and John N. Booth, Foundation Secretary.

Sheryl B. Vogt, current Director of the Richard B. Russell Library, processes a manuscript collection along with UGA Libraries’ employees Lenore Richey and Lee Ann Swann.

Sheryl B. Vogt, current Director of the Richard B. Russell Library, processes a manuscript collection along with UGA Libraries’ employees Lenore Richey and Lee Ann Swann.

At podium: Dr. Fred C. Davison, President of the University of Georgia (1967-1986). Seated first and second row: Members of the Russell Family and guests.

At podium: Dr. Fred C. Davison, President of the University of Georgia (1967-1986). Seated first and second row: Members of the Russell Family and guests.

Barboura Raesly, Senator Richard Russell’s former personal secretary, surveys boxes of materials at the Russell Library, November 1974.

Barboura Raesly, Senator Richard Russell’s former personal secretary, surveys boxes of materials at the Russell Library, November 1974.

Hugh Cates, a public relations manager at Southern Bell and Secretary of the Russell Foundation from 1977 to 1981, interviewing President Gerald R. Ford for the Richard B. Russell, Jr. Oral History Project. Former U.S. Representative and Chair of the Russell Foundation Phil Landrum looks on, July 1978.

Hugh Cates, a public relations manager at Southern Bell and Secretary of the Russell Foundation from 1977 to 1981, interviewing President Gerald R. Ford for the Richard B. Russell, Jr. Oral History Project. Former U.S. Representative and Chair of the Russell Foundation Phil Landrum looks on, July 1978.

Dedication of the Russell Library June 22, 1974. Governor Jimmy Carter is seated with (l to r) Rev. Dr. Henry Edward "Jeb" Russell, U.S. Senator Henry M. “Scoop” Jackson, and Ina Dillard Russell Stacy. 

Dedication of the Russell Library June 22, 1974. Governor Jimmy Carter is seated with (l to r) Rev. Dr. Henry Edward "Jeb" Russell, U.S. Senator Henry M. “Scoop” Jackson, and Ina Dillard Russell Stacy. 

A 1980 cover article in Interface, the UGA Library Newsletter, celebrates the Russell Library.

A 1980 cover article in Interface, the UGA Library Newsletter, celebrates the Russell Library.