Swartz, Albert H. 1936. Alumni Biographical File. Williams College Archives and Special Collections.
In the case of Albert H. Swartz ‘36, (1913-1971), two distinct yet related themes overlap: antisemitism in the medical practice — and indeed America as a whole — and antisemitism at Williams. In particular, the language with which Williams College President Tyler Dennett and John A. Sampson of Albany Medical College described Swartz and others with his religious background shines some light on the perception of Jewish people in elite, white, Protestant institutions in the 1930s.
Woodbridge, Homer E. correspondence, 1937. Office of the President Records (Tyler Dennett) AC9, Box 7. Williams College Archives and Special Collections.
Swartz, Albert H. correspondence on Jewish students in medical school, 1937. Office of the President Records (Tyler Dennett) AC9, Box 7. Williams College Archives and Special Collections.
Swartz’ experiences with discrimination on campus, while not entirely clear, are further alluded to by his participation in activities as a student and alumnus. In recreating a discrete discursive moment, this exhibit seeks to remind viewers of the role of language in discrimination and the lived experience of marginalized individuals.
Swartz, Albert H. correspondence on Jewish students in medical school, 1937. Office of the President Records (Tyler Dennett) AC9, Box 7. Williams College Archives and Special Collections.
-Tristan J. Wille