What's New

This August, as Minnesota memorialized the life and legacy of Hubert H. Humphrey by unveiling a life-size statue of Humphrey in mid-sentence on the Capitol grounds, the Minnesota Historical Society began a 12-month project to scan all of his speech texts for public access.

Memorialized "The Happy Warrior," Humphrey is remembered today as one of the most powerful orators of the 20th century. Humphrey began his political career when he was elected mayor of Minneapolis in 1945. Three years later, at the Democratic National Convention, he gained national attention when he delivered a stirring speech in favor of a strong civil rights plank in the party's platform.

There are those who say to you -- we are rushing this issue of Civil Rights -- I say, we are 172 years late --

There are those who say -- this issue of Civil Rights is an infringement on States Rights -- The time has arrived for the Democratic Party to get out of the shadow of States Rights and walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of Human Rights --

People -- Human beings, this is the issue of the 20th century

Humphrey's speech texts comprise an estimated 32,000 pages of notes, drafts, talking poiints, speaking texts, printed copies, and transcripts for nearly every public speech dating from 1941 until his death in 1978. The project also aims to digitize the sound recordings of at least 50 particularly important speeches.

When complete, this project will document the path of Humphrey's career, his evolving political thinking, and the maturation and high-water mark of the liberal tradition in 20th century American politics and government. Humphrey, more than most leaders of the age, articulated his political values and pressed forward his agenda. Because of this, his extensive body of speeches illuminate American political and social history from the end of World War II through the end of the Vietnam War.

Here is one of Humphrey's earliest speech files. This war-time address, entitled "Information: The Strength of Democracy," was given to the Minnesota Library Association at their annual conference on October 1, 1942. This file also includes a letter Humphrey wrote to his father asking him to read the speech when he had time. In the letter, Humphrey comments that he had delivered the address extemporaneously and had only dictated it to his secretary afterward because the Association asked to publish it. He suggests his father not be too critical and closes the letter by saying, "Remember it was written for librarians -- they are a timid lot." On this closing comment, we think that he would happily and humbly agree this project proves him wrong.

Hubert H. Humphrey making his acceptance speech at the 1964 Democratic National Convention, Atlantic City.

This project was awarded the support of a $46,000 grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) administered by the National Archives.

Learn more about how the NHPRC helps preserve records of enduring national historical value and promotes their public access and interpretation through archival and documentary programs.