Guide to the Papers of Herman Bernstein, (1876-1935), 1899-1935 RG 713

Processed by David Wolfson, Geulah Schulsinger, and Francesca Pitaro

YIVO Institute for Jewish Research
15 West 16th Street
New York, NY 10011
Email: archives@yivo.cjh.org
URL: http://www.yivo.org

Machine-readable finding aid created by Faige Lederman and Francesca Pitaro as MS Word file in November 2002. Electronic finding aid converted to EAD 2002 by Dianne Ritchey Oummia in November 2003. EAD findng aid customized in Archon in 2014. Description is in English.

Collection Overview

Title: Guide to the Papers of Herman Bernstein, (1876-1935), 1899-1935 RG 713

ID: RG 713 FA

Creator: Bernstein, Herman (1876-1935)

Extent: 32.75 Linear Feet

Arrangement:

The best way to access the collection is with the detailed index available at YIVO's reference desk in the reading room at the Center for Jewish History. Please also see the description of the index.

The physical arrangement of the papers corresponds to the following six groupings:

Languages: English, Yiddish, Russian, German, Polish, French

Abstract

This collection contains the papers of the journalist, author, translator, and diplomat Herman Bernstein. It documents his work on behalf of Eastern European and Russian Jews and holds correspondence, memos, writings and translations by Herman Bernstein, writings by others, contracts, clippings, printed matter, and photographs.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The Herman Bernstein Papers (ca. 1899-1935) include correspondence, memos, writings and translations by Herman Bernstein, writings by others, contracts, clippings, printed matter, ephemera, and photographs. This collection documents the life and career of Herman Bernstein and touches on many of his pursuits, including journalism, philanthropy, diplomacy, theater, and advocacy for Jews in Russia and Eastern Europe. In his work Bernstein was in contact with many prominent statesmen, literary figures, philanthropists, and leaders of the Jewish community in the United States.

The Bernstein papers are arranged physically into seven series, six of which are chronological, with the remaining series consisting of addenda. The first five series are made up largely of correspondence and some personal papers from the time period represented in each series. Each series contains at least four subseries: correspondence from individuals; correspondence from organizations; personal, and subjects. Series IV, however, has only three subseries. Series II has an additional two categories: The Day, the newspaper which Herman Bernstein edited, and subjects. Series III has a fifth subseries concerning the Ford Libel Suit as well as a sixth on subjects. Series V contains a subseries concerning Albania in addition to the four other subseries. The last series, Series VI: Mostly Undated, is comprised largely of manuscripts of writings and translations by Herman Bernstein and others. Series VI also contains newspaper clippings, undated personal documents, photographs, and plays.

Bernstein’s journalistic work is represented by his writings, his interviews, and by organizational files for various papers which published his work or where he served as editor. Among the publications represented are The American Hebrew, The Day, The Jewish Tribune, The New York Herald, and The New York Times. Correspondence includes information on editorial policy, letters from readers, and financial arrangements. Also included are copies of Bernstein’s articles and interviews which may include manuscript, typescript, and printed copies. Many of the interviews do not include transcripts, but only Bernstein’s narrative of the interview. Several files of dispatches from Russia, many of which may be found in Series VI, Subseries 7, include his writings on Lenin, Andreyev, Kerensky, the Tsarina Alexandra (wife of Nicholas II), and the changes wrought by the Revolution. Most of the articles and dispatches are undated, and their date and place of publication are not noted. Some of the articles that can be found in the clippings files (Series VI, Subseries 15), which are arranged alphabetically, include the actual newsprint copies of Bernstein’s articles. His work appeared in many New York and U.S. papers in addition to those listed above. Bernstein also corresponded regularly with publishers and magazines regarding the publication of his writings and translations. These include The Century Magazine, the Associated Press, Harper & Bros., Alfred A. Knopf, Macmillan, and The Independent.

The collection includes a significant amount of material relating to Bernstein’s theatrical work. In addition to writing his own plays and translating works from Russian and German, a large amount of which are located in Series VI, Subseries 17, Bernstein often served as the agent for playwrights whose works he translated. He corresponded regularly with playwrights, actors, agents, theater companies, publishers, and producers. Among the noted playwrights represented (by correspondence and scripts) are Leonid Andreyev, Georg Erastov, Ossip Dymow, Nicolas Evreinoff, Rudolf Lothar, Luigi Pirandello (1 letter), Arthur Schnitzler, George Bernard Shaw (1 note), and Leo Urvantzov. Other correspondents relevant to his theatrical work include Nina Caraciollo, Feodor Chaliapin, Morris Gest, Jacob Gordin, Bertha Kalich, Alla Nazimova, Max Rabinoff, and Maurice Schwartz. Organizations represented include: Brady and Wiman, the Theatre Guild, Radiant Productions, and the Yiddish Art Theatre. The collection also includes programs, reviews, and some photographs of theatrical productions and personalities.

Bernstein’s involvement in the American Jewish community is documented by his work with organizations such as the American Jewish Committee, the American Jewish Congress, the American Jewish Relief Committee, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), the Jewish National Fund, Joint Distribution Committee, ORT (Obschestvo Rasprostraneniia Truda sredi Evreev, the Society for Spreading Work Among Jews), and the Zionist Organization of America. In his work with these organizations Bernstein corresponded with prominent political, philanthropic and communal society leaders including Cyrus Adler, Joseph Barondess, Bernard Baruch, Jacob Billikopf, Josephus Daniels, Adolph Lewishohn, Louis Marshall, Jacob Schiff, Nathan Straus, and Stephen Wise. Correspondence with these organizations and individuals is located chronologically in Series I through V. Some organizational papers include minutes and reports.

Materials relating to Bernstein’s tenure as the Minister to Albania are located in Series V, Subseries 6, and include official letters and invitations, general correspondence and correspondence with other legations, reports, clippings, press releases, and writings including King Zog’s story as told to Herman Bernstein. Photographs from Bernstein's time in Albania will be found in Series VI: Subseries 16.

The scope of Bernstein’s many pursuits is reflected in his correspondence. Other prominent correspondents are Shalom Aleichem, Auguste Rodin, Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, and William G. McAdoo.

Family papers include correspondence, photographs and miscellaneous materials. The earliest letters in the collection are letters from Herman Bernstein (in Russian and English) to Sophie Friedman, written in 1896 and located in Series I. The collection also includes letters from Bernstein’s children, and from his brother, Harry Bernstein.

This collection holds photographs, which will be found in Subseries 16 of Series VI, that portray Bernstein's work and travels, including photos related to his theatrical work, such as production photos and photos of performers. Of particular interest to researchers may be photos acquired during Bernstien's tenure as ambassador to Albania. These include photos of King Zog and other government officials, of offical functions, and of an archeological excavation in the city of Butrinto. The collection also contains personal photos, including portraits and family images. Photos of American and French soldiers from World War I will also be found in this subseries, as well as images of Bernstein's trip to Siberia under the auspices of the American Expeditionary Forces.

Users of this collection should be aware that there this collection has an index. Information on this index may be found here.

Historical Note

Herman Bernstein, journalist, author, translator, diplomat, and advocate for the rights of the Jews of Eastern Europe, was born in Neustadt-Schwerwindt on the Russo-German border on September 21, 1876. He was the son of David and Marie (Elsohn) Bernstein. In 1893 Bernstein emigrated to the United States where he completed his education. He was married to Sophie Friedman on December 31, 1901.

Bernstein’s journalistic career began in 1900 when his first stories were published. He was a contributor to the New York Evening Post, The Nation, The Independent and Ainslee’s Magazine. He was a founder and editor of The Day (1914-1916) and an editor of The Jewish Tribune (1924-1926; 1930), and an editor of the Jewish Daily Bulletin (1933-1934). As a special correspondent to the New York Times, Bernstein traveled to Europe in 1908, 1909, 1911 and 1912. On these visits he interviewed many prominent individuals of the day and his dispatches and articles were widely read in the U.S. Bernstein also went to Europe in 1915 to study the conditions of Jews in the war zones. He went to Russia in 1917 to report on the Revolution for the New York Herald, which also sent him to Japan and Siberia with the American Expeditionary Forces. His work for the Herald extended to his coverage of the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. In the 1920s Bernstein wrote for the New York American and the Brooklyn Eagle, often reporting from Europe and writing frequently about Russia. One of Bernstein’s journalistic coups was his publication of the so-called “Willie-Nicky” correspondence between Wilhelm II and Nicholas II, which he discovered in Russia in 1917. These secret telegrams between the Kaiser and the Tsar during the years 1904-1907 revealed, according to Bernstein, how “Both talked for peace and plotted against it.” The telegrams were first published in the Herald.

Many of Bernstein’s interviews, including those with Henri Bergson, Hall Caine, Albert Einstein, Havelock Ellis, Vladimir Jabotinsky, Max Nordau, Auguste Rodin, Romain Rolland, Theodore Roosevelt, George Bernard Shaw, Leo Tolstoy, Chaim Weizmann, Count Sergius Witte, Woodrow Wilson, and Israel Zangwill, were later published in three volumes: Celebrities of Our Time (1924), With Master Minds, and The Road to Peace (1926).

Bernstein’s literary work included translations of short stories and plays by Gorky, Tolstoy, Andreyev, Lothar, Urvantzov, Schnitzler, Asch, Chekov, and Turgenev. Bernstein’s own writings include a book of verse, The Flight of Time (1899), a book of short stories, In the Gates of Israel (1902), and a novel, Contrite Hearts (1905). He also wrote his own plays including The Mandarin and The Right to Kill which were presented on Broadway.

Bernstein was also known for his efforts to expose anti-Semitism in the United States and elsewhere. He won a retraction from Henry Ford after suing him for libel for anti-Semitic statements Ford had published in the Dearborn Independent. In 1921 Bernstein’s book, The History of a Lie, exposed the fraudulent origins of the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion.” His 1935 work The Truth about the Protocols of Zion was released to combat a renewed interest in the Protocols coinciding with the rise of anti-Semitism in pre-war Europe. Throughout his career Bernstein researched and wrote about the conditions of Jews in Europe, reporting on pogroms in Poland and Russia, and the effects of the Revolution on Russia’s Jews. Bernstein worked with organizations such as ORT, the Central Relief Committee, the American Jewish Relief Committee, and the Joint Distribution Committee to improve conditions for Jews in Europe. He also served as secretary of the American Jewish Committee, as an officer of the Zionist Organization of America, and as a member of various committees of HIAS. Politically he advocated for liberal immigration policies and was a member of the Democratic National Committee and worked to elect Woodrow Wilson in 1912. Bernstein also supported the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine and wrote about the politics of the Middle East and the settlement of Palestine.

Bernstein met Herbert Hoover at the Paris Peace Conference and supported his bid for the presidency in 1928. In 1930 Hoover appointed Bernstein as the United States minister to Albania, a position he held until 1933. During this appointment, he worked on negotiation and extradition treaties between the U.S. and Albania, and received an award from King Zog for his service to Albania, the Grand Cordon of the Order of Skanderberg.

Herman Bernstein died in Sheffield, Massachusetts on August 31, 1935. He was survived by his wife Sophie and three daughters, Violet Bernstein Willheim, Hilda Bernstein Gitlin, and Dorothy Bernstein Nash, as well as a son, David.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions: Open to researchers by appointment with a YIVO archivist.

Use Restrictions: There may be some restrictions on the use of the collection. For more information, contact: Chief Archivist, YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011 email: archives@yivo.cjh.org

Acquisition Method: The Herman Bernstein Papers were donated to YIVO by David Bernstein, Adele Bernstein, and Ann Weissman.

Preferred Citation: Published citations should take the following form:Identification of item, date (if known); YIVO Archives; Herman Bernstein Papers; RG 713; box number; folder number.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

Series 1: Series I, 1896-1917,
Series 2: Series II, 1913-1916,
Series 3: Series III, 1917-1924,
Series 4: Series IV, 1920-1930,
Series 5: Series V, 1930-1935,
Series 6: Series VI: Mostly Undated, , 1898-1935,
Series 7: Series VII: Addenda, 1915-1956,
All

Series V 1930-1935

Much of the material available in this series is correspondence. Documents in this series date from 1930-1935. In addition to correspondence, there are also such items as personal documents, material on tributes and receptions given for Herman Bernstein, and articles and addresses given by him. The last subseries holds material concerning Herman Bernstein's tenure as Minister to Albania.

Arrangement: Series V has six subseries: Individuals; Organizations; Personal 1; Subjects; Personal 2; and Albania.

Subseries 1: Individuals 1929-1935

Subseries 1 is comprised of correspondence with individuals from the time period of this series. Famous individuals who corresponded with Bernstein in this subseries include Albert Einstein, Henry Ford, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Prominent in size in this subseries is Leon Savage.

Arrangement: Alphabetical by last name.

Box 25

Folder 623: A Ackerman, Carl (1931-1933); Adler, Cyrus (1931-1935) 1931-1935
Folder 624: B Bartsch, Hans (1935); Baruch, Bernard (1935); Bettelheim, Samuel (1930) 1930-1935
Folder 625: Barcata, Fabian 1931
Folder 626: Bero, Stanley 1930-1934
Folder 627: Brown, David A. 1933
Folder 628: C Cardozo, Benjamin (1932); Carreras, Guido (1932); Cohen, Abraham 1932
Folder 629: Cohen, Zvi 1934
Folder 630: D Daniels, Josephus (1933-1935); DeKay, John; Deutsch, Bernard (1934) 1933-1935
Folder 631: Davidson, Louis B. 1933-1935
Folder 632: E Elkus, Abram (1930); Engels, Peter (1934) 1930-1934
Folder 633: Einstein, Albert 1933-1935
Folder 634: Evreinoff, N. 1932
Folder 635: F Forrester, Sylvia (1935); Fram, Rabbi Leon (1930); Freedman, Harold (1935) 1930-1935
Folder 636: Farwell, Mildred 1932-1935
Folder 637: Fishberg, M. 1930-1934
Folder 638: Ford, Henry 1930-1935
Folder 639: G Garfunkel, Morris (1931); Ginsberg, Helen (1934); Goldberg, Abraham (1934); Goldstein, Israel (1934); Goldstein, Joseph; Grossman, Elias (1932) 1931-1932
Folder 640: Goldstein, Jonah 1931-1934
Folder 641: Gourary, Samarius 1930
Folder 642: Gordon, H.L. 1931-1932
Folder 643: Gottwald, Fritz 1929-1931
Folder 644: Graves, William 1930-1931
Folder 645: Gringorten, Jacob H. 1932-1934
Folder 646: H Heller, Chaim (1934); Hey, Hans (1930); Holmes, John (1935); Houston, Herbert 1930-1935
Folder 647: Hoover, Herbert 1930-1934
Folder 648: House, Edward 1930-1934
Folder 649: J Jabotinsky, V.; Johnson, Elmer (1933); Jung, Rabbi Lev (1934) 1933-1934
Folder 650: K Kahn, Otto (1930); Kalich, Bertha (1934); Karpilove, Miriam (1934); Keena, L.J. (1934); Kogan, A. (1933) 1930-1934
Folder 651: Kohut, G.A. & Rebekah 1930-1934
Folder 652: La-Le Lamport, Samuel (1934); Lande, Louis (1933); Lansker, Albert (1933); Lebedeff, V. (1930); Ledner, Bruce (1934); Leighton, C.W. (1930-1934); Levitan, Solomon (1930-1934) 1930-1934
Folder 653: Li Lieberman, Elias (1934); Lieberman, William (1934); Litman, Alexander (1935) 1934-1935
Folder 654: Lothar, Rudolph 1930-1933

Box 26

Folder 655: Ma Malkin, I.R. (1934); Manner, Jane; Margolin, Arnold (1930); Margoshes, Joseph (1932); Masliansky, Rev. H.; Matthias, Leo (1931-1932); Matz, Sidney (1930); Matz, Israel (1930) 1930-1934
Folder 655A: Masaryk, Thomas 1932-1934
Folder 656: Mc-Mi Mclnik, J.; Michaelson, Lewis (1933); Miller, Geo. A. (1934); Minkin, Rabbi Jacob (1934) 1933-1934
Folder 657: Mo Morgenthau, Heary (1930-1934); Morrison, Isidore (1931); Moskowitz, Henry (1934) 1930-1934
Folder 658: N-O Nash, Abraham; Notovitch, N. 1933
Folder 659: P Pauker, Edmond (1930); Pease, Frank (1934); Perry, Armstrong (1933); Petchkovsky, J. (1935); Pool, D. De Sola (1934); Popkin, Louis (1931); Posner, Louis S. (1931); Povolozky, Jacques (1931); Pratt, Ruth (1931-1934) 1930-1935
Folder 660: R Radziwill, Princess; Revnes, Maurice (1930); Richards, Bernard (1932); Robinson, William (1932); Rokeach, Israel (1930); Rongy, A.J. (1931); Rosenbach, Abraham (1931-1935); Rosenwald, Julius (1931) 1930-1935
Folder 661: Rabinoff, Max 1930-1935
Folder 662: Rabinowitz, E. 1930-1934
Folder 663: Reisen-Kisiel, S. 1934
Folder 664: Rhoade, Max 1930-1933
Folder 665: Richter, I.S. 1930
Folder 666: Roosevelt, Franklin D. (Franklin Delano) 1933-1935
Folder 667: Ross, Betty 1933
Folder 668: Sa-Sh Sack, Alexander (1934); Schacht, Hjalmar (1933); Schnapper, M.B. (1934); Schneersohn, I.; Schneiderman, Harry (1931-1934); Schulman, Samuel (1931); Schwager, Charles (1930); Sherko, Michael; Shernan, Carl (1934); Sherover, Max (1935) 1930-1935
Folder 669: Si-Sy Silver, Abba H. (1934); Strassman, Morris (1932); Sliosberg, Henri (1935); Stepawkowsky, W.J. (1935); Stern, David J. (1934); Stevens, Robley D. (1934) 1932-1935
Folder 670: Savage, Leon 1930-1932
Folder 671: Savage, Leon 1933-1935
Folder 672: Schereshewsky, A. 1934
Folder 673: Schiffer, Henry 1930-1934
Folder 674: Schildkraut, Joseph 1935
Folder 675: Singer, Isidor 1930-1934
Folder 676: Smit, Ingrid 1930-1935
Folder 677: Snegoff, Leonid 1930-1935
Folder 678: Somlyo, Maria 1932-1935
Folder 679: Steinberg, J. 1931-1932
Folder 680: Straus, Nathan 1930
Folder 681: Strauss, Lewis 1930-1931
Folder 682: Szyk, Arthur 1931-1934
Folder 683: T 1934
Folder 684: U 1933-1934
Folder 684A: V 1933-1934
Folder 685: W 1931-1935

Subseries 2: Organizations 1925-1935

Organizational correspondence in this series is from the early 1930s. As in previous series, a large portion of the correspondence here is from publishing companies and publications, such as the Jewish Daily Bulletin , the American Hebrew , the Jewish Tribune , and the Macmillan Company. However, Herman Bernstein's political activism is also well represented here, as well as his work with Jewish institutions. He kept in contact with organizations such as the Republican National Committee, the Jewish Agency, the Jewish Club, the Joint Distribution Committee, ORT, and the Zionist Organization of America. His work as minister to Albania can also be seen here with his correspondence with the Albania American Institute and the Albanian Vocational School.

Arrangement: Alphabetical by organization name.

Box 27

Folder 686: A American Jewish Congress (1933); Areada Verlag (1932-1933); Associated Music Publishers (1935); Associated Press (1931-1932) 1932-1935
Folder 687: Academic Diplomatique Internationale 1931-1934
Folder 688: Albania American Institute 1930-1932
Folder 689: Albanian Vocational School 1930-1934
Folder 690: The American Hebrew 1930-1934
Folder 691: American Jewish Committee (1930-1935) and Adler, Cyrus (1930-1935) 1930-1935
Folder 692: B B'nai Brith Magazine (1930); Bne-Binyamin (1930); Brith Abraham (1934); Broadview (1935); Carl Byoir & Associates (1935) 1930-1935
Folder 693: Brady & Wiman - Century Play Company 1930-1934
Folder 694: C Collier's (1925); Cosmos Broadcasting Company (1931); Covici Friede Incorporated (1934-1935) 1925-1935
Folder 695: D The Day (1930-1935); E.P. Dutton & Company (1934) 1930-1935
Folder 696: E Encyclopedia Britannica 1930-1934
Folder 697: F Farrar & Rinehart (1932); Federation (1930-1934); University of Florida (1932); Foreign Affairs (1931); Foreign Policy Association (1931); The Forum (1931); Fromenson, Popkin & Associates (1932) 1930-1934
Folder 698: Federation of Polish Jews in America 1934-1935
Folder 699: G-H-I Gallery (1933); Samuel Goldwyn Inc. (1935); The Hechalutz Organization of America (1934); Hedenu (1934); Herald Owl Alumni Club (1930); High Commission For Refugees (1934-1935); Israel Zion Hospital (1932) 1930-1935
Folder 700: J Jewish Agricultural Society (1932); Jewish Daily Post (1935); Jewish Education Association (1934-1935); Jewish Literary Service (1934); Jewish National Fund (1930-1934); The Jewish Voice (1935); The Judeans (1930-1935); Jugoslavia Delegation (1933) 1930-1935
Folder 701: Jewish Agency 1930-1934
Folder 702: The Jewish Club 1930-1934
Folder 703: Jewish Daily Bulletin 1933-1934
Folder 704: Jewish Telegraphic Agency 1930-1933
Folder 705: The Jewish Tribune 1930
Folder 706: Joint Distribution Committee 1930-1935

Box 28

Folder 707: K Kennedy & Livingston, Inc. (1930); Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. (1933) 1930-1933
Folder 708: L League of All Jewish Institutions (1931); Liberty (1934-1935) 1931-1935
Folder 708A: League for Labor Palestine 1934
Folder 709: M Richard J. Madden Play Company (1935); Maggs Brothers (1935); The McCall Company (1934); McIntosh & Otis, Inc.; Nutter, McClennen & Fish (1930); The Menorah Journal (1934-1935); Menorah Society of N.Y.U. (1934); Metro Goldwyn Mayer (1934) 1934-1935
Folder 710: MacMillan Company 1930
Folder 711: Maimonides Octocentennial 1934-1935
Folder 712: N National League for American Citizenship (1932); National Conference of Jews & Christians (1934); The New Palestine Magazine (1930); New York American (1933); New York Repertory (1932); New York Times (1933-1935); Newsweek (1934); Non-Sectarian Anti-Nazi League (1934); North American Newspaper Alliance (1934) 1932-1934
Folder 713: Near East Foundation 1930-1935
Folder 714: O Oxford University Press 1935
Folder 715: ORT 1931-1935
Folder 716: P The Palestine Lighthouse (1931); Palestine Bilder Korrespondenz; Planned Publicity Players (1931); Portal Playhouse Players (1931); Pro Palestine Federation of America (1930-1934) 1930-1934
Folder 717: Pfeffer, Max Verlag 1929-1932
Folder 718: R Reynal & Hitchcock, Inc. (1934); The Rockefeller Foundation (1930-1932); The Romance of A People 1930-1934
Folder 719: Republican National Committee 1932
Folder 720: Russische Tagezeitung 1931-1932
Folder 721: S The Saturday Review (1930); Scripps Howard Newspapers (1934); Simon & Schuster (1934) 1930-1934
Folder 722: Seven Arts Feature Syndicate 1930-1933
Folder 723: T Talmudic Library Publication Society (1933); The Theatre Guild (1931); This Week (1934) 1931-1934
Folder 724: U-V United Jewish Appeal; United States Assembly (1934); Universal Pictures Corporation (1932) 1932-1934
Folder 725: W-Y The Winchell Thomas Company (1934); OZE - World Union For Preserving The Health of Jews (1934); Yiddish Art Theater (1930-1935) 1930-1935
Folder 726: Zionist Organization of America 1930-1935

Subseries 3: Personal 1 1930-1935

Subseries 3 contains personal documents from the time period of this series. Included in the Personal folder of this subseries are such items as a passport and information on Herman Bernstein's financial affairs. Material focusing on laudatory events for Bernstein will also be found here, including congratulations on his appointment as minister to Albania, a dinner in honor of the fortieth anniversary of his arrival in the United States, and a reception in his honor. As in previous series, there is also material concerning his articles, addresses, speaking engagements, and notes. Furthermore, this series also contains condolence letters to Herman Bernstein's wife Sophie after his death. Additional personal documents may be found in Subseries 5: Personal 2.

Box 29

Folder 727: Personal - Includes: Passport, Letters, Notes Regarding Payment of Loans, Bills 1930-1932
Folder 728: Congratulations on Appointment as Minister to Albania 1930
Folder 729: Tributes to Herman Bernstein on 40th Anniversary of Arrival in America 1934
Folder 730: Dinner Reception in Honor of Herman Bernstein 1930
Folder 731: Speaking Engagements 1930-1934
Folder 732: Press Releases 1934
Folder 733: Notes and Outlines n.d.
Folder 733A: Articles and Addresses by Herman Bernstein 1932
Folder 734: Letters of Condolence to Sophie Bernstein 1935

Subseries 4: Subjects 1930-1935

Subseries 4 contains material on books written by Herman Bernstein.

Box 29

Folder 735: Can We Abolish War 1935
Folder 736: “The Book of Peace” 1934
Folder 736A: “The Book of Peace” 1934

Box 30

Folder 737: The Truth About “The Protocol[s of Zion” 1935
Folder 737A: [The] Truth About “The Protocols [of Zion”] n.d., 1920
Folder 738: Present & Future 1934
Folder 739: Unemployment Survey 1933
Folder 740: Haym Solomon Project 1934
Folder 741: Von Der Geldern, Peire 28

Subseries 5: Personal 2 1930-1933

This subseries holds correspondence with Herman Bernstein, mainly with various family members including his wife Sophie, his son David, and his daughters Hilde, Dorothy, and Violet as well as with their husbands. There is also information on the wedding of Herman Bernstein's daughter Violet. Further personal material may be found in Subseries 3: Personal 1.

Arrangement: Mostly alphabetical by name.

Box 30

Folder 742: Bernstein, David 1931-1933
Folder 743: Bernstein, Harry & Flora 1930-1933
Folder 744: Bernstein, Sophie 1931-1933
Folder 745: Gitlin, Murray & Hilda 1930-1933
Folder 746: Nash, Dorothy & Akos 1930-1933
Folder 747: Willheim, Violet & Arpad 1931
Folder 748: Unidentified n.d.
Folder 749: Violet Bernstein's Wedding 1932

Subseries 6: Albania 1930-1935

This subseries focuses on Herman Bernstein's term as minister to Albania from February 1930 to September 1933. It primarily contains correspondence with government officials, both American and Albanian. A large amount of correspondence is between Bernstein and Mehmet Konitza, the Albanian Minister to Washington, D.C.. Documents located here consist of official letters, invitations, general correspondence, correspondence with other government representatives, reports, clippings, press releases, and Herman Bernstein’s writings.

General correspondence found here contains details of such topics as the building of the legation, Bernstein’s resignation, and some information on his negotiation work on the naturalization treaty. Folder 758 also contains documents concerning routine consular issues, such as difficulties acquiring visas or pleas for assistance, and the case of an individual using a forged visa. The material here also contains information on social events, including many invitation cards and responses to receptions and a Tirana social registry which lists important dignitaries in Tirana at the time. Letters from visitors to Albania may also be found here, among them requests for information and thank-you letters after visits. Folder 759 contains correspondence with, and information about the work of, C. Telford Erickson, a proponent of improved education in Albania.

Writings found here include an article on King Zog (Ahmed Zogu) written by Bernstein. The folder titled “Albania - Miscellaneous Materials” has various interesting documents pertaining to the history of Albania. It includes a detailed description by Herman Bernstein of services at the monastery of St. John Vladimir at Elbasan on that saint’s feast day with the Archbishop of Albania, excerpts from judicial decisions which concerned Jewish individuals in the town of Elbasan, and articles concerning Italian interests in Albania. Researchers studying Herman Bernstein's service as ambassador to Albania may also be attracted to photographs of this time period, which will be found in Subseries 16 of Series VI.

Box 31

Folder 750: Albanian Government Offices and Officials 1931-1934
Folder 751: Albania - Social Functions 1931-1933
Folder 752: Letters to Herman Bernstein from Visitors to Albania 1930-1933
Folder 753: Albania - First Anniversary Letters 1931
Folder 754: Albania - U.S. State Department 1930-1935
Folder 755: Albania Foreign Legations in Tirana 1931-1933
Folder 756: U.S. Legation in Tirana 1930-1934
Folder 757: Albania - U.S. Ambassadors and Consuls 1931-1933
Folder 758: Albania - Correspondence 1930-1933
Folder 759: Albania - Correspondence 1930-1934
Folder 760: Albania - Miscellaneous Materials 1930-1935