Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

Akron Beacon Journal Kent State Shootings collection

Inclusive Date(s):

undated

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Craig Simpson

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Craig Simpson using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2008

Description Rules:

Finding aid prepared using DACS

Origination:

Akron Beacon Journal

Extent:

4 cubic feet

Physical Location:

10th floor (May 4 Collection, Boxes 208-211)

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0082

Abstract:

The Akron Beacon Journal Kent State Shootings collection contain materials from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports on the Kent State shootings. These materials were requested from the U.S. Department of Justice by Beacon Journal staff.

Revision(s):

September 2023 - Reprocessed and updated by Liz Campion

Language(s):

The records are in English.

History of the Akron Beacon Journal

Founded in 1839, the Akron Beacon Journal is a four-time Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper that serves readers in Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark and Wayne counties. As of July 2023, the Beacon Journal is owned by GateHouse Media. The Beacon Journal earned national recognition and its first Pulitzer for coverage of the Kent State shootings in 1970, which was coordinated by editor Pat Englehart.

Scope and Content

This collection is comprised of reports from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation on the Kent State shootings and surrounding events. The Ohio State Highway Patrol records include inter-office correspondence, autopsy reports of the victims, and notes pertaining to the investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation records include various reports from agents assigned to investigating the shootings. The FBI records comprise an earlier draft of the final copy of the report. While the original FBI and State Highway Patrol documents were produced from 1969-1983, the copies obtained and annotated by the Beacon Journal in this collection most likely date from after 1980.

Statement of Arrangement

The Akron Beacon Journal Kent State Shootings collection is divided into two series:

• Series 1: Ohio State Highway Patrol records
• Series 2: Federal Bureau of Investigation records

Related Material

The FBI report is available online. Additionally, the Ohio State Highway Patrol's investigation is available to access at Ohio History Connection or selections have been made available to view online.

Processing Information

This collection originally contained sticky notes with handwritten research notes by Akron Beacon Journal staff members. Due to preservation, we have removed the original sticky notes and have created copies in their place. When applicable, copies of the sticky notes are located at the front of each folder and contain the page number in which the original sticky note was located.

Restrictions on Use

Information included in this collection is restricted due to the presence of information protected by privacy laws. This collection was originally retained for Akron Beacon Journal research.

Preferred Citation

Akron Beacon Journal Kent State Shootings collection. May 4 Collection. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

The materials in this collection were received by the Akron Beacon Journal from the U.S. Department of Justice in response to Freedom of Information Act requests. The collection was transferred to Kent State University by the Akron Beacon Journal in 2008.

Subject Headings

The following subjects are found in this collection:

Subjects:

• Kent State Shootings, Kent, Ohio, 1970
• Kent State University--History
• Kent (Ohio)--History

Organizations/Corporations:

• Akron beacon journal (Akron, Ohio: 1903)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (U.S.)
• Ohio State Highway Patrol

Functions:

• Criminal investigation
• Law enforcement
• Autopsy

Places:

• Kent (Ohio)

Occupations:

• Journalists
• Detectives
• Traffic police

Material Types:

• Photocopies

Detailed Description of The Collection