Dick Halsey Collection on Plutonium Injections in Rochester
Content Description
Dick Halsey is a Rochester-area genealogist and historian who was contacted in 1993 by journalist Eileen Welsome of the Albuquerque Tribune for assistance in researching the individuals who received plutonium injections in Rochester at Strong Hospital in 1945 and 1946. The collection consists of newspaper extracts, both from her work and from Rochester-area coverage of these largely unknown experiments, and a concluding reportin which Halsey both documents his role in the project and pays individual tribute to the victims of the tests. Materials in the collection date between 1975 and 2025, with the bulk dating from 1993 to 1999.
Dates
- Creation: 1975-2025
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1993-1999
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.
Administrative History
Dick Halsey has been involved in genealogical work in Rochester, New York for decades. He is best known for the extensive work he has done as one of the driving forces behind the local GenWeb website, mcnygenealogy.com. He’s also an avid photographer and has digitally imaged numerous books, magazines, and other print items of interest to scholars of Rochester history.
Halsey was contacted in 1993 by journalist Eileen Welsome of the Albuquerque Tribune for assistance in researching the individuals who received plutonium injections in Rochester at Strong Hospital in 1945 and 1946. Welsome had been working on the research since 1987, and found out Rochester’s role in the injections due to documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act in 1992. With Halsey’s assistance, she was able to identify most of the 11 people injected with plutonium. She later visited Rochester, during which time Halsey joined her as she interviewed relatives of several of the victims of the injections.
Extent
.4 Cubic Feet (1 flat box)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
This collection consists of 1 box.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Richard Halsey, 2025.
Condition Description
Good condition.
- Title
- Dick Halsey Collection on Plutonium Injections in Rochester
- Status
- In Progress
- Author
- Brandon Fess
- Date
- 2025-02-28
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Local History & Genealogy Division Repository
115 South Ave.
Rochester 14604 USA
585-428-8370
585-428-8353 (Fax)
lochistref@libraryweb.org