Collections

The Russian and East European Institute, comprised of several departments at Indiana University, was established in 1958 and is one of the leading area studies centers in the country. The collection consists of funding applications, projects, programs and administrative files related to the institute and it departments.

Robert F. Byrnes was a Professor of History at Indiana University from 1956 to 1988 and served as director of the Russian and East European Institute at IU from 1959-1962 and 1971-1975. Byrnes specialized in the study of Russian conservative thought, Russian historical writing, anti-Semitism in France and Europe, the Soviet role in world affairs after World War II, American policy toward Eastern Europe, and Soviet American relations. In addition Byrnes made significant contributions to the development of Slavic studies programs in the United States and the opening of academic exchanges with the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. The collection consists of the personal papers of Dr. Byrnes with an emphasis on his work with Radio Free Europe and the Inter-University Committee on Travel Grants as well as his other professional activities and includes research files, correspondence, reports, minutes, manuscripts, reviews, teaching files, films, sound recordings, and photographs.