This collection primarily reflects the activities of Alvin Saunders Johnson during his years as director and president emeritus of the New School for Social Research (1946-1971). The files consist of biographical materials, correspondence, subject files, and writings. Because much of Johnson's work as president emeritus of the New School was concentrated on fundraising, the correspondence and subject files largely document this activity.

Other projects documented here include Johnson's proposal to establish a labor college at the New School (which never came to pass), and launching a Faculty of Retired Professors. The Writings series includes drafts, typescripts, and reprints from publications documenting Johnson's abiding engagement with social issues, in addition to chapter drafts for his autobiography, Pioneer's Progress (published 1952).

This collection contains press releases issued by The New School (formerly, the New School for Social Research) over a three-decade span. The press releases provide a detailed accounting of courses, events, faculty appointments, and the addition of new programs and divisions at the university, including announcements related to Parsons School of Design following its affiliation with The New School in 1970.

This collection largely documents the activities of the New School Publicity Office during the 1940s and 1950s, and reflects the range of activities of the department under the leadership of Agnes De Lima, who directed the department for two decades. The collection includes notes and draft materials for the production of press releases, articles in the weekly New School Bulletin, advertisements and course promotion, and administrative materials.

Also includes materials related to the organization of art exhibitions and special events, and transcripts of radio announcements and speeches. The Dramatic Workshop, École Libre des Hautes Études and Graduate Faculty series in this collection are especially rich in describing the work of these important New School programs.