Former Sen. Bill Bradley Donates Papers To Princeton University

PRINCETON, NJ — Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley has donated his papers to the Princeton University Library, the university announced on Tuesday. The extensive collection documents the remarkable career of the former congressman, professional basketball player, and 1965 Princeton alumnus,

The papers occupy more than 1,000 boxes. They primarily chronicle his time as U.S. Senator representing New Jersey from 1979 to 1997. Included are copies of his speeches and testimony, press releases, his schedules and appointments, and awards he received while in office. The collection also includes files from his legislative, administrative, and state office staff.

As a senator, Bradley championed the 1986 income tax revision, California water rights, energy, and the environment, among other national and state issues.

“The Bradley papers are a rich source of information for his work in the Senate, issues which continue to resonate with us today,” University Archivist and Curator of Public Policy Papers Dan Linke said.

Before running for political office, Bradley won two NBA titles with the New York Knicks during a 10-year, all-star career. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982.

Bradley earned a Bachelor of Arts in American history at Princeton University. During his undergraduate career, he was a member of the 1964 U.S. Olympic basketball team that won a gold medal. He became captain of the men’s basketball team in his senior year, led the Tigers to the Ivy League title and helped Princeton to a third-place finish in the NCAA tournament. The Tigers were 23-6 that season.

Bradley currently serves as a managing director of Allen & Company LLC and a member of the Starbucks board of directors. He has written six New York Times best-selling books and hosts a radio show, American Voices.

The Bill Bradley Papers are part of the Library’s 20th Century Public Policy Papers in the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections and as such are housed with other public policy papers in the Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library, located at 65 Olden Street.

The 20th Century Public Policy Papers, which consist of almost 300 collections of people and organizations who have played significant roles in 20th century American history, include papers from several secretaries of state, a Supreme Court justice, and over 40 diplomats.

The university has stored the Bill Bradley Papers since 1997 when Bradley stepped down from political office. The collection will be made open for research use on Dec. 20, 2032.

The attached images were provided by Princeton University:

Photo # 1: Bill Bradley speaks at a 2011 Princeton University event marking the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. (Photo by Princeton University, Office of Communications, Denise Applewhite, 2011)

Photo # 2: Before his successful political career, Bill Bradley starred at a basketball player for Princeton University and the New York Knicks. He is shown as Princeton player in this undated photo. (Photo by Robert P. Matthews)

Photo # 3: Bill Bradley, a 1965 Princeton alumnus, speaks at the University in this undated photo. (Photo by John W.H. Simpson)