David M. Barrett Research Files (2025)


Descriptive Summary
Title: David M. Barrett Research Files
Creator: Barrett, David M., 1951-
Inclusive Dates: 1946-1973
Language(s): English
Extent: 3 box(es) (3 linear feet)
Collection Number: RBRL054DMB
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: The David M. Barrett Research Files are materials collected and produced by Barrett while researching and writing his book The CIA and Congress: The Untold Story from Truman to Kennedy (University Press of Kansas, 2005). The files consist primarily of copies of documents (such as correspondence, memos, telegraphs, congressional records, news clippings, statements and releases, budget information, and reports) from other archival repositories, historical studies, and researcher notes.

Collection Description

Biographical Note

David M. Barrett was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, in 1951. He graduated in 1973 from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor's in American studies. After working as a radio news director, Barrett became the Public Affairs Director for WNIT Public Television, in South Bend, Indiana for eight years. In this capacity he produced documentaries, moderated political debates, and hosted and produced a nightly interview program. Barrett occasionally contributed background information for use on "The MacNeil-Lehrer News Hour," and appeared as a guest interviewer on William F. Buckley's "Firing Line" in January 1984. Barrett occasionally conducted interviews for two syndicated television series produced by Oblate Media, Golden Dome Productions, and the University of Notre Dame's Institute for International Peace Studies from 1988 to 1991. In 1984, he was a candidate in the Democratic primary election campaign for the United States House of Representatives from Indiana's third congressional district.

Barrett received his master's from the University of Essex in England in 1985 and his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame in 1990. He currently serves as Professor of Political Science at Villanova University. His chief research interests are the U.S. presidency and Congress in relation to foreign, defense, and intelligence policies. The most recent of his three books—The CIA and Congress: The Untold Story from Truman to Kennedy—explores the confidential interactions between heads of the Central Intelligence Agency and congressional leaders. The first two examined Vietnam: Lyndon B. Johnson's Vietnam Papers: A Documentary Collection and Uncertain Warriors: Lyndon Johnson and His Vietnam Advisers. Barrett has published numerous articles and papers and is the recipient of many fellowships, grants, and honors.

Scope and Content

Materials were compiled by Barrett while conducting research for his book The CIA and Congress: The Untold Story from Truman to Kennedy. Files consist of copies of documents (such as correspondence, memoranda, telegraphs, congressional records, correspondence, clippings, statements, budget information, and reports) from other archival repositories, historical studies, and researcher notes. They provide an in depth record of the relationship between Congress and the CIA as well as a study of the CIA itself.

Organization and Arrangement

The files are primarily in chronological order with several topical files arranged by subject.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

David M. Barrett Research Files, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

User Restrictions

Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.

Copyright Information

Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.