Series 2: Administrative Records, 1891 - 1980

The William J. Robbins Records document Robbins' career as Director of NYBG from 1937-1958 as well as the history of the institution during this time period. The records are divided into nine series and are organized in the following four groups:

The records in this collection document both the daily and significant activities of NYBG during the Robbins' Administration.

Series 1, Correspondence, includes subject and individual correspondence that document many of the activities in which Robbins as well as NYBG were involved during his Administration. It is split into three sub-series: Individuals and Organizations, Subject Files, and Location Files.

Series 2, Administrative Records contains records such as, minutes from the board of managers, committee reports, by-laws and constitution amendments, and legal agreements. This series also contains documents that illustrate NYBG's involvement during World War II. It is split into three sub-series: Legal Agreements and Data, World War II, and General Administrative Papers.

Series 3, Financial Records contains records concerning financial matters, such as, budget, expenses, and stocks and bonds.

Series 4, Education documents NYBG's educational activity during the Robbins' Administration. The significant activities represented in this series are the re-establishment of NYBG's Gardeners School and NYBG's day and evening educational programs.

Series 5, Publications contains records of NYBG's publication activities. Specific publications represented include ADDISONIA, Britton and Brown: Illustrated Flora, and Through the Garden Gate.

Series 6, Publicity contains fundraising records, especially those documenting fundraising activities for NYBG's 50th anniversary and for the construction of the laboratory. Other publicity records include photographs, press clippings, visitation studies, membership reports, and the records the Public Relations Committee. It is divided into two sub-series: Fundraising and Public Relations.

Series 7, Staff illustrate NYBG staff life during the Robbins' Administration. Records includes applications, job announcements, memos, and correspondence with the New York City Board of Estimate and New York City Bureau of Budgets. Special topics in this series include the "Griffenagen" Wage Study, Pension Plans, Social Security, the United Public Workers of America, C.I.O. III, and the unionization of City employees. This series also documents NYBG's Volunteer Program. It is divided into four sub-series: Salary and Budget, Griffenhagen Wage Study, Pension Plans, and Unions and Employee Communication.

Series 8, Grants contains records of NYBG's grant supported activities during Robbins' Administration.

Series 9, Buildings and Grounds documents construction and physical planning activities. A significant number of these correspondence are between NYBG and Robert Moses, Commissioner of New York City's Department of Parks. This series also contains the records of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. It is divided into Construction Programs, and Department of Parks Correspondence.