Edward L. Bernays papers

Collection

Identifier: M099

Overview

Edward L. Bernays, "Father of Public Relations" was born in Vienna in 1891. He studied at Cornell and became a member of the United States Committee on Public Information in 1918. In 1919, Bernays opened a public relations firm, and in 1923 wrote the seminal book on public relations: Crystallizing Public Opinion (New York: Boni and Liveright, 1923) [call number HM261 .B4]. On June 17, 1989, Bernays received an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service from Northeastern University and gave the commencement speech. He died in 1995.

Dates

Creation: 1982-1998
Creation: Majority of material found within 1993-1995

Creator

Patchell, Herbert (Person)

Conditions Governing Access:

The collection is unrestricted.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use:

Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the University Archivist.

Chronology

1891 Nov 22
: ELB born in Vienna
1892
: ELB moves to the United States with parents
1912
: Bachelor's degree from Cornell University
1913
: Produced Damaged Goods, the first public play in American history about venereal disease
1919
: Opened his public relations business
1922
: Married Doris E. Fleischman
1923
: Taught the first college course on public relations at NYU
1923
: Wrote Crystallizing Public Opinion
1946
: Founded Edward L. Bernays Foundation to serve public causes
1962
: Retired and moved to Cambridge, Mass.
1960s
: Designed/implemented a plan to save the sycamore trees along Memorial Drive, Cambridge, Mass.
1980
: Death of wife Doris
1989
: Received an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service from NU
1990
: Life editors designate ELB one of 100 most important Americans of 20th century
1991
: Northeastern University honors ELB on his 100th birthday
1992
: ELB involved in Massachusetts Senate Bill #374 to require licensing of public relations personnel
1995
: PBS series recognizes ELB as one of eight Americans who most influenced 20th century
1995 Mar 9
: ELB dies in Cambridge, Mass.