Frederick Rudolph

Frederick Rudolph

1920 - 2013 WILLIAMSTOWN Frederick Rudolph, professor emeritus of history at Williams College, died Monday, June 3, 2013, at his home in Williamstown.

He was born in Baltimore, Md., on June 19, 1920, a son of the late Charles Frederick and Jennie Hill (Swope) Rudolph. He was raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., graduated from Wyoming Seminary in 1938. He received his B.A. from William College in 1942

He was a veteran of WW II, having served with the United States Army as a captain from 1942-1946.

Following his military service he received his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1953.

Mr. Rudolph joined the history department at William College in 1951. He developed from its early beginnings what is now called the American Studied program and created the African-American History program. He served as college marshal, administrator of the Tyng Bequest, and a member of the Committee on Admitting Women, The Bicentennial Commision, and the Visiting Committee of the Williams College Museum of Art.

Mr. Rudolph was a Guggenheim Fellow from 1958-1959 and from 1962-1963; director, United World College of American West; member, National Academy of Education, Massachusetts Historical Society, American Historical Association, Organization of American Historians, American Association of University Professors trustee at Hancock Shaker Village; trustee at the Bennington Museum and a founding member of the Berkshire County Historical Society. He enjoyed gardening and traveling.

His writing included "Mark Hopkins and the Log" "The American College and University: A History, "Curriculum: A History of the American Undergraduate Course of Study Since 1636" Essays on Education in the Early Republic" "Perspectives: A Williams Anthology."

He was awarded the Frederick W. Ness Award from the Association of American Colleges, the Rogerson Cup from Williams College and the Distinguished Service Award from Wyoming Seminary. Williams College bestowed on Mr. Rudolph a Bicentennial Medal and one of his several honorary degrees. In recognition of his impact, the class of 1965 established the Frederick Rudolph '42 Professorship of American Culture.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy (Dannenbaum) Rudolph, whom he married June 18, 1949: two daughters, Marta Rudolph of Northampton, and Lisa Rudolph Cushman of Williamstown; Lisa's husband, Michael of Williamstown, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brother, Richard H. Rudolph.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Private burial will take place in the Williams College Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested for the Frederick Rudolph Williamsiana Fund at Williams College or through the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, WEST CHAPELs, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA. 01247. Please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.