Robert F. Kerr Papers

0.84 linear feet (2 document cases)

The Robert F. Kerr Papers represent a compilation of Kerr’s personal and professional materials, primarily dating from the 1880s to the 1930s. The collection is composed predominantly of correspondence, both personal and related to Kerr’s role at South Dakota State University (then Dakota Agricultural College). Notable within this correspondence are letters documenting Kerr’s dismissal from the university, offering insight into early administrative and academic tensions at the institution.

In addition to correspondence, the collection includes class records (1885–1892), diaries (1886–1888), and writings by Kerr on a variety of topics including Brookings County history, college history, and Jewish advocacy. A unique item is Kerr’s contribution to the History of SDSC: 1881–1931, which includes marginalia in Chapter 1 authored by Kerr. Additional materials include a certificate of public instruction, scrapbook, notes, ledger, traveling papers, and maps/manuals of South Dakota. A Christmas greeting composed by Kerr and multiple drafts of personal reflections, including an autobiographical sketch, further illustrate his personal beliefs and public engagement.

The collection documents Kerr’s broad intellectual interests, educational work, and his role in shaping the early academic life at South Dakota State University. The presence of early class materials and student-related documents adds to the understanding of instructional methods during the foundational years of the institution.

Robert F. Kerr was a foundational figure in the academic development of Dakota Agricultural College. His personal files provide critical documentation of institutional history, early university governance, and student instruction practices. The correspondence surrounding his departure adds to the narrative of university leadership and faculty relations in the institution’s formative years. His historical writings on South Dakota and Brookings County contribute to regional history.

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Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)

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If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

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Copyright and Use Statement

In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.