New York State Civil Defense Commission Subject Files

Statement on Language

Some content in this finding aid may contain offensive terminology. For more information on why this language is occasionally retained, see: New York State Archives Statement on Harmful Language in Descriptive Resources.

Overview of the Records

Repository
New York State Archives
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
Summary
The series includes correspondence, memoranda, plans, press releases, reports and cost estimates of the Civil Defense Commission activity, through the early 1970s. Activities documented include fallout shelter construction, emergency radio networks, disaster planning, and population evacuation engineering plans, specifications, designs, and cost estimates for planned fallout shelter construction throughout the state. Most of the records relate to shelters at state institutions.
Title
Civil Defense Commission subject files
Quantity
2 cubic feet
Inclusive Dates
Series Number
13125
Creator
Arrangement

Arranged by facility.

Administrative History

The State Civil Defense Commission was established in 1951 (Chapter 784, and amended by Chapters 785 and 786) within the Executive Dept. to prepare for the state's defense in the event of attack. Its mandate was to adopt, promulgate, and implement a comprehensive plan for civil defense. In the event of enemy attack, the commission's powers broadened, and it could assume direct operational control of all civil defense forces and resources, control vehicular traffic, appropriate personal and real property, and issue regulations necessary for the execution of its duties, which were to have the force of law.

Chapter 787 of the Laws of 1951 provided for an appropriation to be transferred from the capital construction fund to the commission for the construction and installation of facilities and materials for bomb shelter use.

The commission was transferred to the Department of Transportation in 1971, and then to the Division of Military and Naval Affairs in 1973.

Scope and Content Note

The series represents a variety of materials (correspondence, memoranda, plans, press releases, reports and cost estimates) covering various aspects of commission activity, which ebbed through the early 1970s as the threat of foreign attack diminished. Activities documented include fallout shelter construction, emergency radio networks, disaster planning, and population evacuation.

13125-99: The bulk of the accretion consists of engineering plans, specifications, designs, and cost estimates for planned fallout shelter construction throughout the state. Most of the records relate to shelters at state institutions such as hospitals, special schools, and correctional facilities. Planning especially involved the Civil Defense Commission, the Division of Architecture (Dept. of Public Works) and the Executive Department, and the primary focus of the series appears to be budgetary.

Acquisition Information

This series includes records from transfer list 810002.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.

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