About the Collection
The Ernest L. Boyer Archives at Messiah University contains more than 480 linear feet of manuscripts, audio and visual materials, correspondence, records of appointments, and other artifacts documenting the life and work of this American educational pioneer.
The materials in the collection have been divided into 13 record groups. Using the interactive drop-down menus below, you can learn more about each record group and what that portion of the collection contains. A comprehensive finding aid for the collection is forthcoming.
Most materials in the collection are available to researchers. To schedule an appointment to visit the archives and conduct research in our reading room, contact the archives coordinator. A select number of materials can also be accessed via our online catalog.
Materials in this record group include drafts of books and articles that Boyer produced throughout his career, as well as some other materials related to those works. This record group is the largest in the collection.
This record group contains drafts of, correspondence relating to, copies of, and final transcripts of speeches that Boyer gave during his professional career. The bulk of these materials are related to Boyer's presidency at the Carnegie Foundation, although material from his years as chancellor of the State University of New York does appear here as well. This record group comprises approximately 16% of the total collection.
This record group contains correspondence to and from Boyer, as well as correspondence related to his work with the Carnegie Foundation and other institutions. This record group comprises approximately 16% of the total collection.
Materials in this record group include videotapes, audiotapes, and overhead projection sheets. Most of the overhead projection sheets were used by Boyer in various speeches that he gave throughout his career. The video- and audiotapes depict a variety of events and initiatives: speeches that Boyer gave, NBC-TV's "More Than You Know" public service announcements, Boyer home movies, CBS-TV special "America's Toughest Assignment" with Charles Kuralt interviewing Boyer, etc. This record group constitutes approximately 8% of the total collection.
This record group contains materials related to the various publications, reports, and educational projects undertaken by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching during Boyer's tenure as its president. Materials in this record group constitute approximately 4% of the total collection.
Materials in this record group relate to various programs initiated or sponsored by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching during Boyer's tenure as its president. Materials in this record group constitute approximately 2% of the total collection.
Materials in this record group include the honorary degrees, plaques, and awards conferred upon Boyer. Materials constitute approximately 5% of the total collection.
Materials in this record group include photographs and photo negatives that depict various events, activities, or programs in which Boyer participated, as well as various events or programs related to the Ernest L. Boyer Center at Messiah University. This record group also includes various photo albums that depict events, activities, and other moments in Boyer’s life, both professional and family.
Materials in this record group include files related to Boyer and the administrative workings of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (CFAT); general documents relating to CFAT; and information related to the death of, memorial service for, and scholarship fund established in honor of Boyer. Materials constitute approximately 2% of the total collection.
Materials in this record group include notes and drafts of chapters from a book on leadership that Boyer was working on prior to his death. Materials constitute approximately 1% of the total collection.
Materials in this record group are related to a study of Native American tribal colleges conducted by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
The series contains materials Boyer produced in the many positions he held prior to becoming president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (CFAT) in 1980, including materials related to his master’s and doctoral degrees; his time at Upland College (1950s); his time as chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY) from 1970 to 1977; and his time as U.S. Commissioner of Education from 1977 to 1979. Also included in this series is material related to organizations of which Boyer was a member. Materials in this record group constitute approximately 8% of the total collection.
This series contains both documents and objects which represent significant times in Boyer’s professional career and personal life, and spans the entirely of Boyer’s life (1928-1994). Materials constitute approximately 4% of the total collection.