Archive of correspondence, postcards, diaries, CDV images and papers related to U.S. Secretary of State Robert Lansing and his family.
Official United States Department of State passport issued in 1903 to Katherine Ten Eyck Lansing (1875–1933), with the stamped signature of U.S. Secretary of State John Hay
6-page handwritten letter from Lansing to “My dearest sisters”, Katherine and Emma, on January 3, 1909 expressing profound relief that the sisters, touring Italy, were not killed in the devastating earthquake at Messina on December 28, 1908; Lansing provides much description of how the catastrophe was viewed in New York.
Calling card of Lloyd C. Griscom, American Ambassador to Rome.
CDV image of Giuseppe Garibaldi
94 postcards, some RPPCs, mostly views of Europe some sent to Lansing family members c1909
1870 daily pocket diary meticulously kept by Lansing’s mother Maria Lay (Dodge) Lansing (every date filled)
Small photo of Maria Lay Lansing
Pastor’s Farewell Message booklet and card related to Allen Macy Dulles, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Watertown, NY
Letters sent to Lansing during his period of legal work at Lansing & Lansing
Many letters to Lansing written by Lansing’s wife, Eleanor Foster (1890–1928) during their newlywed period
Many letters sent to Katherine Ten Eyck Lansing
Letter signed by John Dulles
Letter written and signed by Loomis Burrell (1872-1975), industrialist, inventor and civic leader
Letter referencing Mrs. Lansing wearing of a flower to that evening’s event at Woodrow Wilson’s White House (January 7, 1916)
Large packet of +-30 snapshots addressed to Emma Sterling Lansing (1872-1956), who served with the Red Cross in Europe during WWI. Images show European scenes, Taormina, Sicily, Leaning Tower of Pisa, landmarks, natural scenes, ocean liners, etc
RSVP from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace requesting the presence of The Misses Lansing
(16) unused luggage labels / stickers for Palermo’s Grand Hotel Des Palmes, Bormio, Hotel La Margna, St. Moritz; all mailed in an envelope postmarked 1909
Robert Lansing (1864-1928) holds a significant place in American diplomatic history due to his crucial role as Counselor to the State Department during the outbreak of World War I. His legal background and diplomatic expertise proved invaluable during this tumultuous period.
Lansing contributed to the formulation of U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning the nation’s stance on neutrality and its eventual entry into the war. He played a central role in negotiating the Lansing-Ishii Agreement with Japan, which addressed territorial disputes in East Asia, showcasing his diplomatic acumen.
As Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson from 1915 to 1920, Lansing’s tenure saw pivotal moments like the Russian Revolution and the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I. His work helped shape America’s post-war foreign policy, emphasizing principles like self-determination and the League of Nations.
Pastor Allen Macy Dulles of Watertown, NY, and Allen Dulles, the former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), were relatives sharing a common ancestry. They were both descendants of the prominent Dulles family, known for their contributions to American public service and diplomacy.
Allen Dulles, the CIA director, was the grandson of John Watson Foster, a U.S. Secretary of State. His brother, John Foster Dulles, also served as Secretary of State under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. These prominent political figures were part of the Dulles family’s legacy in U.S. foreign affairs.
