Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

May 4th Task Force records

Inclusive Date(s):

1975-2018

Bulk Date(s):

2005-2009

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Penny White, December 2011.

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Penny White using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2011

Description Rules:

Finding aid prepared using DACS

Origination:

Kent State University. May 4th Task Force

Extent:

1.5 cubic feet (1 record storage box + 1 flat oversized box + oversized folders)

Physical Location:

12th floor (May 4 Collection, Boxes 25 and 25A)

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0132

Abstract:

This collection consists of materials that document the proceedings of Kent State University student organization, the May 4th Task Force. Materials in this collection include minutes and financial records, as well as news clippings and event materials pertaining to the annual May 4 Commemoration and additional events of the Task Force.

Revision(s):

January 2013 - Updated
January 2017 - Revised and Updated

Language(s):

The records are in English.

History of the May 4th Task Force

Founded in October of 1975, the student-run May 4th Task Force (M4TF, sometimes called the "May 4 Task Force") was developed in response to the Kent State University administration's decision to halt university-sponsored funding of the annual May 4 Commemoration. As a result, the group has since sponsored, organized and produced events for the annual commemoration. Since its inception, the May 4th Task Force has sought to support the families affected by the Kent State Shootings of May 4, 1970 by providing educational programming and raising awareness about the event and its impact.

Scope and Content

The collection is comprised of correspondence, event materials, clippings and publications, and other organizational records.

Statement of Arrangement

The collection is organized into the following series and sub-series. Within each series, material is organized chronologically.

• Series 1: Correspondence
• Series 2: Event Materials
• Subseries 1: Event Flyers
• Subseries 2: Event Posters
• Subseries 3: Vigil Books
• Series 3: Clippings
• Series 4: Organizational Materials
• Subseries 1: Brochures, Guidelines, Statements of Purpose
• Subseries 2: Financial Records
• Subseries 3: Minutes
• Series 5: Publications
• Series 6: Artifacts

Separated Material

Largely involved in the execution of the Annual May 4 Commemoration events, additional information on the May 4th Task Force can be found in the Annual Commemoration records of the May 4 Collection. The May 4 Memorabilia and Artifacts collection contains buttons relating to the organization and its events.

Related Material

The Craig Blazinski papers include records from the May 4th Task Force from 1977-1979.

Processing Information

This collection has been processed to allow for future growth.

Restrictions on Access

Some information included in this collection is restricted due to the presence of information protected by privacy laws. This information has been redacted where present on documents in the collection. Un-redacted originals, in all cases, have been retained by Special Collections and Archives.

Preferred Citation

May 4th Task Force records. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

Early information in the collection was compiled by Special Collections and Archives as material was received by a variety of sources. In 2008, former Task Force president, Sarah Lund-Goldstein, placed a number of records of the organization in Special Collections and Archives. Additions were made In 2011 by former Task Force president Stephanie Vincent.

Accruals

Additional materials are added to the May 4th Task Force records on a continual basis.

Subject Headings

The following subjects are found in this collection:

Subjects:

• Kent State University. May 4th Task Force--Archives
• Kent State Shootings, Kent, Ohio, 1970--Anniversaries, etc.
• Kent State Shootings, Kent, Ohio, 1970
• College students--Political activity
• College students--Associations, institutions, etc.
• Kent State University--History
• Kent (Ohio)--History

Functions:

• Committees--Management

Occupations:

• College students

Material Types:

• Correspondence
• Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
• Minutes
• Fliers (printed material)
• Financial records
• Programs

Detailed Description of the Collection