Manuscripts

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No.: MSS 126
Creator:
Title: Papers of Robert L. Bates, 1943-1996
Quantity: 7 Linear Feet (14 document boxes)
Abstract:
Note: This document last updated 2007 September 25.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: The Robert L. Bates collection was given to the Gallaudet University Archives on February 7, 1989 by Robert L. Bates. A large batch of papers was given to the Archives on May 1, 1998 by his wife, Joan M. Bates.
Processed by: Michael J. Olson. 2003 March.
Processing Note:
Conditions on Use and Access: This collection is open to the public with no restrictions. Photocopies may be made for scholarly research.

Related Material in the Archives:

Photographs

• Robert L. Bates [picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Portraits

Vertical Files

• Robert L. Bates. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Biographical

Biographical Sketch

Robert L. Bates was born on July 29, 1930 and became deaf at age seven stricken with scarlet fever. He enrolled at Indiana State School for the Deaf and graduated with academic honors. In 1955, he graduated from Gallaudet College with a B.A. degree in mathematics. Bates also did graduate work at American University and Evansville College.

He began his career in March 1955 as a mathematician with the Department of Navy in the Bureau of Aeronautics. Eventually, Bates became Chief of Scientific Programming Section. He was recognized as the project leader for several ADP systems. Bates was active in several organizations such as the Lions' Club, National Association for the Deaf, Virginia Association for the Deaf, and the American Institute of Parliamentarians. He was one of the recipients of the Outstanding Handicapped Federal Employees of the Year Award given by the U.S. Civil Service Commission in 1973. He married Joan Macaluso and they had four sons together. He passed away on March 4, 1996 at 65 in Rixeyville, Virginia.

Scope and Content

The Robert Bates Papers consists of approximately 11,900 items. The collection also contains papers from his time in several organizations, Indiana School for the Deaf, Gallaudet University and winning the Outstanding Handicapped Federal Employee of the Year. He belonged to Association for Computing Machinery and the papers of his involvement are included in this collection. Also, there is information about his involvement with the Disability Services Board and International Catholic Deaf Association along with personal and special interest groups' documents.

Series Descriptions and Folder Lists
No Series