Located in: Special Collections & University Archives

George Brown papers (MS 351)

The George Brown papers document the life and career of Congressman George E. Brown, Jr. (1920-1999), a champion of science research, alternative energy, space exploration, environmental issues and human rights, who represented the Inland Empire area of Southern California in the United States Congress for nearly 30 years.

The Brown papers are an important source of primary research materials for a number of fields including public policy, political science, history, environmental science, and more.

A few of the collection’s greatest strengths are materials relating to topical issues of continuing public importance, such as climate change, alternative fuels, space exploration, environmental protections, water resources in California, and federal support of scientific and technological research. Brown’s collection also includes materials on important historical political events such as the Vietnam War, anti-satellite and nuclear weapons development, and the passage of the North American Free Trade Act (NAFTA). Brown’s papers also provide a depth of material on important Inland Empire events and history, including the closure of Norton Air Force Base, the growth of the Ontario Airport, the cleanup of the Stringfellow Acid Pits, and economic development efforts throughout inland southern California.

This massive collection - consisting of nearly 450 linear feet of Brown’s legislative, committee, campaign, and constituent files, as well as photographs, personal papers, and other materials - is open for research.