Gary Ackerman Papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SCA-0149

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection documents Gary Ackerman's career as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 until 2013, along with a smaller quantity of materials from his time as as a New York State Senator from 1979 to 1983. Materials include press clippings, photographs, CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes, campaign ephemera, and professional files that demonstrate Ackerman's impact on local, national, and international issues.

Dates

1978 - 2018

Conditions Governing Access

Appointments to examine materials must be made in advance. Please email QC.archives@qc.cuny.edu for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Conditions Governing Use

Reproductions may be provided to users to support research and scholarship. However, collection use is subject to all copyright laws. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Biographical Note

Gary L. Ackerman (b. 1942) served the people of Queens as a New York State Senator from 1979 to 1983, and as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 until his retirement in 2013 (representing the 7th district from 1983-1993 and the 5th district from 1993-2013). A Democrat, he was frequently a part of bipartisan initiatives and served under five presidents.

Born in Brooklyn, Ackerman moved to Flushing’s Pomonok Housing as a child and made lifelong friends there. He attended Queens College, where he met his future wife, Rita, and discovered and developed his public speaking and leadership skills. During this time on campus, he served as president of his house plan (a social organization similar to a fraternity), president of his senior class, and editor of the Castle newspaper.

Following graduation, Ackerman taught for five years in Jamaica’s Shimer Junior High School, making history as New York’s first male public school teacher to apply for what would become paternity leave. Nearly 25 years later, Ackerman co-signed the landmark 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act, which guaranteed this right on a national basis. Before beginning his public service career, Ackerman also founded the Queens Tribune newspaper (originally the Flushing Tribune), which ran for 48 years.

Extent

45 Linear Feet (55 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by format in the following series: -Press Clippings -Photographs -Professional Files -Moving Image -Audio -Campaign Materials

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Gary Ackerman. Deed of Gift signed November 2017. Collection transferred in two installments from Ackerman's home in the fall of 2018. Accretion of four boxes in August 2025.