The University of Rhode Island Library , Special Collections has processed and made available for research over 1,200 linear feet of John H. Chafee’s political papers.  Below is a list of items taken out of the collection for use in the displays pictured to the left.  

1)  Senator Chafee was the recipient of numerous awards, citations, scholarships, and decorations.  His persistent effort to affect change on a multitude of social, economic, and political issues earned him chairmanship of some of the most important committees of Congress.

2)  Chafee was appointed Secretary of the Navy (1969-1972) by President Richard Nixon.  To the right of the awards stands the official United States Navy flag that occupied his office in Washington D.C.

3)  As Governor of Rhode Island (1963-1968), Chafee supported and signed important civil rights bills like the Fair Housing Act, that  protected Rhode Island citizens from housing discrimination.

4)  Throughout his long and distinguished career in the United States Senate, environmental protection was often the primary focus of Chaffee's efforts.  Besides being appointed Chairman of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, Chafee authored several landmark bills including amendments to the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Oil Spill Pollution Act.  Chafee was also recognized for sponsoring and authoring numerous bills establishing historic land preservation tracts and wildlife refuges including Rhode Island's Trustom Pond, Pettaquamscutt Refuge, and the Blackstone National Heritage Corridor.  Senator Chafee also led efforts to enact the landmark Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990; the legislation established air quality standards, set emission standards, and created new programs to control acid rain and toxic chemicals.  President Bush praises Senator Chafee’s accomplishments in combating air pollution in this correspondence dated October 2, 1991.

5)  Chafee served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and was among the first wave of American forces that invaded Guadalcanal and the island of Okinawa .  In 1951 the Marine Corps recalled Chafee to active duty.  He spent the next two years serving as a rifle company commander in the Korean conflict.  Senator Chafee also worked hard to pass legislation benefiting United State ’s war veterans.  The American Legion Award recognizes Senator Chafee’s efforts, and the members of the 66th to 101st congresses, who supported veteran’s bills.

6)  President Clinton congratulates Senator Chafee 73rd birthday in this October 19, 1995 letter.  Senator Chafee was revered for his strong bi-partisan approach to government.  He regularly crossed party lines to work for the benefit of the American people. 

7)  President Bush praises Senator Chafee’s accomplishments in combating air pollution in this letter, October 2, 1991.  Senator Chafee also led efforts to enact the landmark Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990; the legislation established air quality standards, set emission standards, and created new programs to control acid rain and toxic chemicals.

8)  President Clinton praises Senator from Rhode Island for his leadership and integrity in this letter to the Chafee family after Senator Chafee’s passing in October of 1999.

9) In this letter to Chafee, September 9, 1985, President Reagan requested Senator Chafee’s support for an Executive Order to initiate punitive measures against South Africa for its apartheid system of law.

10)  President Carter thanking Senator Chafee for his support for the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty in this letter dated Marcj 22, 1978.