Summary |
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| Creator: | Lee, Kermit J., Jr. |
| Title: | Kermit J. Lee, Jr. Papers |
| Dates: | 1953-1995 |
| Size: | 11.75 linear ft |
| Abstract: | Materials related to the professional and academic work of Syracuse University professor and alumnus Kermit J. Lee, Jr. |
| Language: | English |
| Repository: |
University Archives, Special Collections Research Center Syracuse University Libraries 222 Waverly Ave., Suite 600 Syracuse, NY 13244-2010 https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center/university-archives |
Biography
Kermit J. Lee, Jr. (1934-2018) was a professor in the Syracuse University School of Architecture from 1966 to 1995. He was a lifetime fellow of the American Institute of Architects and served as chairman of the New York State Board for Architecture from 1986 to 1987. Also an alumnus of Syracuse University, Lee graduated magna cum laude in 1957 and later went on to study at the Technische Hochscule in Braunschweig, Germany as a Fulbright Fellow. In 1990, Lee received a citation from Governor Mario Cuomo for his work in the redevelopment of Times Square. In 1996, the School of Architecture at Syracuse University established an endowed scholarship in his name. After his retirement from the University in 1995, he returned to overseeing his architecture firm Kermit Lee Architects.
Among Lee’s specialties were urban planning, alternative energy, and resource recovery.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lee was also notable for being the first African American graduate from the Syracuse University School of Architecture, as well as the first African American professor in the School of Architecture. He was at one point the only registered African American architect in Central New York.
Scope and Content Note
The Kermit J. Lee, Jr. Papers is composed of content that includes his work as a professor at Syracuse University and his other professional and academic work. The collection is made up of five series:
Architectural drawings consist of architectural plans and materials made by Lee and his firm, Kermit Lee Architects. The drawings span a number of projects, including a Black River resource recovery facility and a pedestrian concourse for an Onondaga County Convention Center.
Correspondence consists of incoming and outgoing materials, including memorandums sent to Lee from other members of the University's School of Architecture.
Course materials contains content related to courses taught by Lee during his time at the University, such as syllabi, exams, assignments for students, and lecture notes.
Other professional work contains materials related to his work as an architect outside of the University, including job application materials and photographs of his sketches.
Writings and research consist of essays and other work by Lee for personal, academic, and professional projects. This series contains materials he produced as a student at the University, his work as a Fulbright Fellow, and other writings concerning architecture as a discipline. This series contains materials that users may find objectionable due to ableist language. The language contained in this series was conventional at the time of its creation, although no less harmful and inaccurate than it is today. It is preserved and presented for its historic and research value.
Restrictions
Access Restrictions
Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.
Use Restrictions
Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.
Related Material
Some of the materials in this collection were acquired along with the materials in the African American Male Congress Records.
The University Archives holds the Syracuse University School of Architecture Records. The Archives also has a clippings file on Kermit J. Lee, Jr.
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Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Preferred citation for this material is as follows:
Kermit J. Lee, Jr. Papers,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
Acquisition Information
Gift of Jerry Augustin in 2004 and the Lee family in 2023.
Processing Information
Materials were rehoused in acid free folders and placed in acid free boxes.
Finding Aid Information
Created by: Erin Gravley
Date: 2018
Revision history: June 2023 - 7.5 linear feet of materials added (SS);
January 2024 - 0.25 linear feet of materials added to Box 8 (SS)