Biography
Abstract:
Political Research Associates was founded in 1981 by Jean Hardisty and Chip Berlet. Originally known as Midwest Research and based in Chicago, the group moved to Boston in 1987 and changed its name to Political Research Associates.
In 1981, Political Research Associates began exposing the broad spectrum of right-wing violence through in-depth analysis of founding directors Jean Hardisty and Chip Berlet. Originally known as Midwest Research and based in Chicago, it quickly became known for its work in support of racial justice. In 1987, Citizens Alert recognized the think tank with its Rev. Willie Baker Award for “outstanding efforts” working for racial justice in Chicago by helping anti-racism activists understand how white supremacist and antisemitic groups mobilized support in neighborhoods.
By 1987, the organization had moved to Boston, changed its name to Political Research Associates, and expanded the range of the political Right that it analyzed. In 1991, PRA launched a collaboration with South End Press with the publication of two books by Russ Bellant: The Coors Connection: How Coors Family Philanthropy Undermines Democratic Pluralism, and Old Nazis, the New Right, and the Republican Party. The next year, it began publication of its magazine The Public Eye to present the latest research on the US Right for use by advocates and journalists, while continuing to issue special reports.
During its history, PRA has provided readable research on Posse Comitatus, the militia movement, neo-Nazis, the Christian Right, conservative think tanks, anti-immigrant movements, and government repression.
Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:
Collection
Call Number: MS014
Overview
This collection contains materials created and collected by Political Research Associates including publications; research files that contain direct mail, promotional materials, news clippings, and speeches; subject files; videos; and an archived website. Materials relate to right-wing organizations, persons, and activities.
Dates:
1908 -- 2019
Part of Collection — Box 57
Call Number: MS014.001.057.00010
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
This series is comprised of publications collected by Political Research Associates for its reference library. In general, materials in this series are not published by PRA itself, but by political, social, and religious organizations as well as hate groups and watchdog organizations. For publications created by PRA, please see Series 002. Publications that are widely available in other libraries (such as Time magazine) and/or are available as electronic journals were weeded from this...
Dates:
2009 -- 2010
Part of Collection — Box data_value_missing_3af0626e2e44e2d161768c9ba8df7d3d
Call Number: MS180.011.052.00022
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
This series consists of journals and newsletters published by indigenous groups as well as non-profit and development organizations focusing on indigenous issues that were originally part of a larger Cultural Survival reference library. The publications cover issues faced by particular indigenous groups and indigenous peoples as a whole. The series also includes several directories of indigenous organizations, 1988-2005. Academic, indigenous, and commercial publications that are widely...
Dates:
2002
Part of Collection — Box data_value_missing_3af0626e2e44e2d161768c9ba8df7d3d
Call Number: MS180.011.052.00041
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
This series consists of journals and newsletters published by indigenous groups as well as non-profit and development organizations focusing on indigenous issues that were originally part of a larger Cultural Survival reference library. The publications cover issues faced by particular indigenous groups and indigenous peoples as a whole. The series also includes several directories of indigenous organizations, 1988-2005. Academic, indigenous, and commercial publications that are widely...
Dates:
2002 -- 2003
Part of Collection — Box 58
Call Number: MS014.001.058.00027
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
This series is comprised of publications collected by Political Research Associates for its reference library. In general, materials in this series are not published by PRA itself, but by political, social, and religious organizations as well as hate groups and watchdog organizations. For publications created by PRA, please see Series 002. Publications that are widely available in other libraries (such as Time magazine) and/or are available as electronic journals were weeded from this...
Dates:
1992 -- 2008
