The RPI President's Papers (Folsom) span the years 1958-1971 with the bulk of the material concerning Folsom's tenure as President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The Papers are in an alphabetical arrangement, by subject, which was established before their arrival in the Archives. (Series I). Three alphabetic arrangements existed within the Papers and have been condensed into one. Exceptions to this arrangement fall at the end of it and include a series of chronologica1 correspondence files (Series II) which duplicates Folsom's outgoing correspondence in the subject files; and miscellaneous items ranging from Folsom's radio addresses, class lectures, and newspaper clippings and drafts and reprints of Folsom's publications (Series III). The particular strength of this collection lies in its documentation of the scope of activity of a contemporary University President. Correspondence, memoranda, reports, speeches, and publications denote not only specific projects at RPI, but service to professional societies and work in an advisory capacity on a national level. Some of the significant activities on campus during Folsom's tenure were the construction and dedication of the Science Center (1958-1967); long range planning through the "Goals for Rensselaer" sessions (1967-1970); and on-going research through the Linear Accelerator (1958-1971). RPI of Connecticut was established at this time and planning and negotiations (late 1950's-early 1960's) for the satellite program are detailed. Documented as well are some of the events surrounding the Governance issue, and campus involvement and reaction to the anti-war movement, the draft, and ROTC. Folsom's wide range of activities and service included participation in Troy civic groups and memberships on local development committees. Extending beyond purely local concerns, his membership in regional and national professional societies is documented along with committee work for such groups as the National Academy of Engineering and the Engineer's Joint Council . His work in an advisory capacity to State and national groups includes the National Academy of Sciences and the New York State Governor's Electric Power Committee. The Papers were transferred to the Archives in 1972