Congressman Barney Frank Archives Collection
The Claire T. Carney Library Archives and Special Collections at UMass Dartmouth is home to the papers of former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank. The majority of the collection documents his U.S. congressional career, 1980-2012, including records from his district offices in Newton, Taunton and New Bedford. National issues covered include financial reform, gay rights, the housing crisis, immigration reform, military spending, and environmental protection. Congressman Frank served on the Financial Services Committee from 2003 to 2012, and as its chairman from 2007. During this time he oversaw passage of the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 4173), better known as the Dodd-Frank bill. Local issues in the collection include fishing regulation, commuter rail, immigration and the environment. Records of his many electoral campaigns for the U.S. House of Representatives, 1980-2010 include the hard-fought win over Republican Margaret Heckler in the 4th district in 1982.
The collection also includes material on legislation he sponsored between 1973 and 1980 when he served in the Massachusetts State Legislature. Received in December 2012 and January 2013, the collection, in its current, unprocessed form, totals 640 linear feet.
For information on access to the collection, which is currently limited, contact Lauren VanDenBerg at lvandenberg@umassd.edu or 508-999-8853. The Congressman Barney Frank Archives reading room, located on the third floor of the Claire T. Carney Library, will be open to the public beginning September 7, 2016 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Appointments are strongly recommended.
