ABILENE, Kan. - The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum announces the opening of the Richard M. Bissell Papers.
"Mr. Bissell held many important government posts, but he is perhaps best-known for his position as Deputy Director of Plans at the Central Intelligence Agency," said Karl Weissenbach, library director.
The 56,000-plus page collection documents Bissell's thoughts on covert activities and national defense strategy, his education, his work as an economist with the Marshall Plan, and his years in private industry. Bissell was a key figure in the invasion of Cuba, known as the Bay of Pigs, and the development of the U2 aircraft and reconnaissance satellite programs.
The Bissell Papers contain correspondence with such notable figures as President Dwight D. Eisenhower, CIA Director Allen Dulles, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The finding aids to help research identify topic areas are posted online.
"This is an indispensable source for anyone studying the career of Richard Bissell and the Cold War era," Weissenbach said.
Other Information The research room is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 12:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. (with no materials being pulled after 4:00 p.m.) and closed on all Federal holidays. All researchers, including the media, must have a valid researcher card prior to gaining access to the records. Researcher cards may be obtained with a completed application form and valid photo ID. To ensure you have a positive research experience, we suggest you contact a staff archivist at 785.263.6700 before you visit the research room. |