American Communications Association Records
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Abstract
The American Communications Association (ACA) was formed in 1931 as the American Radio Telegraphists Association, a union representing telegraphists and radio operators. This collection contains pamphlets and newsletters concerning locals and organizing in the ACA from the 1950's and 1960's.
Historical/Biographical Note
The American Communications Association (ACA) was formed in 1931 as the American Radio Telegraphists Association, a union representing telegraphists and radio operators. In 1938 the Communist-dominated union affiliated with the Congress of Industrial Organizations. During the 1940s, leaders of the ACA refused to sign the anti-communist affidavits required under the Taft-Hartley Act, claiming the oaths violated their First Amendment rights. The ACA sued is response to this provision of the Taft-Hartley Act, and in 1950 the United States Supreme Court ruled that the imposition of an anti-communist oath on labor union leaders does not violate the First Amendment.
Arrangement
This collection has not been arranged by an archivist, materials are in the order in which they were received from the donor.
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains pamphlets and newsletters concerning locals and organizing in the American Communications Association (ACA) from the 1950's and 1960's. Some of the material pertains to anti-Communist attacks on the organization. The collection also contains photographs of individuals and groups (including board members of various locals) probably used by the ACA News.
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
The Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Archives has no information about copyright ownership for this collection and is not authorized to grant permission to publish or reproduce materials from it. Materials in this collection, which were created in 1950-1969, are expected to enter the public domain in 2090.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date; American Communications Association Records; WAG 274; box number; folder number; Tamiment Library/Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, New York University.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Materials found in repository; provenance is unknown. The accession number associated with this collection is 2008.013.
