Richard H. Eisenhart papers, photographs and award

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RITArc-0157

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Richard H. Eisenhart papers consist of materials related to Eisenhart and his life. The collection includes correspondence, photographs and slides, awards and certificates, articles, clippings, and several other miscellaneous items.

There are two main series of correspondence in the collection. This includes a series of letters traded between Eisenhart and several individuals regarding a commemorative stamp, "Learning Never Ends." The stamp featured an image of a painting by Josef Albers that is part of the RIT Art Collection. There is also correspondence with Carlos Romulo, a former Filipino diplomat to the United States. Romulo was friends with Eisenhart's father, M. Herbert Eisenhart. This series contains correspondence between Romulo and both Richard and M. Herbert Eisenhart.

The collection also includes photographs and slides. The photographs feature Eisenhart at various events and functions. For instance, there are several photographs of the Rochester Institute of Technology Board of Trustees featuring Eisenhart, as well as Eisenhart's trip to China with other RIT administrators in 1978. The slides in the collection depict Eisenhart's experiences in China. Also included is a signed portrait of Romulo.

The certificates and awards in the collection were given to Eisenhart by different organizations. For instance, there is a certificate of appreciation from the RIT Alumni Association, as well as an award for "Distinguished Service in Trusteeship" from the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.

Also included is a hand illuminated citation and a handcrafted silver piece, Founder's Award -- the second highest award of the Institute to be extended to persons who are living examples to the type of public and Institute spirit demonstrated by the founders of the Athenaeum and the Mechanics Institute. This award was presented to M. Herbert Eisenhart on September 22, 1971. This was donated to RIT Archives by his son, Richard H. Eisenhart.

The articles and clippings are related to other topics covered in the collection. For instance, there are clippings on Eisenhart's trip to China, as well as the Albers commemorative stamp. The collection also includes a manuscript written by Eisenhart, recounting his experiences in China.

Finally, the collection includes several miscellaneous items. For instance, there is a series of materials related to M. Herbert Eisenhart (Richard Eisenhart's father) including photographs of a 70th birthday party, an address on "The Problems for Management for 1938" given by M. Herbert Eisenhart, an organizational chart for Bausch & Lomb from 1911, and an album commemorating the dedication of the M. Herbert Eisenhart Tapestry.

The collection also contains a print of the S.S. Henry Lomb, named for one of the founders of the Rochester Mechanics Institute (a predecessor to the Rochester Institute of Technology).

Dates

Creation: 1938-1990

Creator

Eisenhart, Richard H. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

Richard Henry Eisenhart (1915-2010) was born on February 1, 1915. His mother, Elsa Bausch Eisenhart, was a granddaughter of J. J. Bausch, co-founder of Bausch & Lomb. Eisenhart's father, M. Herbert Eisenhart, was president of Bausch & Lomb, as well as a member of the Rochester Institute of Technology's (RIT) Board of Trustees for over 50 years. Richard Eisenhart attended Allendale Colombia School in Rochester, NY, then entered the Choate School. Although Eisenhart began attending Amherst College in Massachusetts as part of the class of 1938, he dropped out after his second year. After leaving Amherst College, Eisenhart began working for Pratt & Whitney Machine Company in Hartford, CT. Then, in 1938 he returned to Rochester, NY to begin working at Bausch & Lomb. He continued to work for his great-grandfather's company until 1958, when he left to form his own manufacturers' representatives firm, R. H. Eisenhart Inc.

Eisenhart was very involved in the Rochester community. Like his father, he was on RIT's Board of Trustees, serving from 1972 to 1980, with a stint as president for 5 years. He also belonged to and served on the board for many other community organizations including the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Brighton Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Rotary Club, Hillside Children's Center, Genesee Hospital Foundation, Allendale School, Rochester Regional Health and Hospital Council, Monroe Community Hospital, Riverton Foundation, United Community Chest, Rochester Savings Bank, and the Rochester committee of the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece. He was also an active member of the Third Presbyterian Church.

Throughout his lifetime, Eisenhart received various awards. In 1930, he earned his Eagle Scout designation and was later named one of the Boy Scouts of America's Distinguished Eagle Scouts. He also received RIT's Nathaniel Rochester Award in 1985, as well as the Allendale Columbia Distinguished Alumni Award, the Rochester Museum and Science Center Civic Medal, the RIT President's Medal. He also helped endow the Richard and Virginia Eisenhart Provost's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Eisenhart married Virginia Cotins Eisenhart of Utica, NY on April 11, 1942. When Virginia died in December 2009 the couple had been married for nearly 68 years. Richard Eisenhart died on August 29, 2010 at the age of 95.

Extent

8.75 Linear Feet (1 document box, 1 lid box, 1 clamshell box, 1 file box, 2 folders, 1 framed certificate, 1 wooden box)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

Materials belonging to Richard H. Eisenhart, a former trustee of the Rochester Institute of Technology. The collection includes correspondence, photographs and slides, awards and certificates, articles, clippings, and other miscellaneous items.

Arrangement

This collection is currently unprocessed. Materials are grouped by topic such as Carlos Romulo, M. Herbert Eisenhart, and Eisenhart's 1978 China trip.

Physical Characteristics

Some materials in the collection have mold or water damage. These items have been removed to a separate box.

Physical Location

C.S. South, Shelves 185, 258-259, 273

Other Finding Aids

In addition to this finding aid, an inventory is available below. For more information, please contact the RIT Archive Collections.

Richard H. Eisenhart papers