Chrysler responds to TTAC charges

Posted on August 24th, 2009 • by David Zatz

Brandt Rosenbusch, Walter P. Chrysler Museum and Historical Collection Coordinator curator, wrote:

As the Archivist for Chrysler for more than 20 years, I had initial and priority access to the material in the Engineering Library for my review, and I transferred all critical books and materials to our Corporate Archives. All historical documents were shipped to the Chrysler Archives, and most of the library books were sent to the appropriate corporate departments to utilize. I can assure you that the materials absorbed by Corporate Archives deal directly with the history of Chrysler, including but not limited to reference books, internal engineering reports and publications.

Following the initial review, our Corporate Records Retention staff then reviewed the remaining materials. Any and all material that was deemed relevant to preserving the historical relevance of Chrysler was sent to storage.

It was then, only after these two extremely in-depth and professional reviews, that Chrysler Group LLC employees … were allowed to take the remaining materials. This material consisted of duplicate reference books, periodicals, and trade journals — material that is not core to our goal of retaining Chrysler’s rich and storied history.

Elton also wonders whether Fiat knows of the existence of the Archives and if they think it is worth preserving. I can verify that, after several visits from Fiat management, they recognize the value in the materials and wholeheartedly support our ongoing efforts at preservation.

We have historical documents beginning with the 1902 introduction of the Rambler to the present day.

Brandt Rosenbusch, curator of the Chrysler Museum, responded to charges at TTAC that Chrysler had carelessly disposed of a large number of important documents in the engineering library. Brandt replied:

… As the Archivist for Chrysler for more than 20 years, I had initial and priority access to the material in the Engineering Library for my review, and I transferred all critical books and materials to our Corporate Archives. All historical documents were shipped to the Chrysler Archives, and most of the library books were sent to the appropriate corporate departments to utilize. I can assure you that the materials absorbed by Corporate Archives deal directly with the history of Chrysler, including but not limited to reference books, internal engineering reports and publications.

Following the initial review, our Corporate Records Retention staff then reviewed the remaining materials. Any and all material that was deemed relevant to preserving the historical relevance of Chrysler was sent to storage.

It was then, only after these two extremely in-depth and professional reviews, that Chrysler Group LLC employees … were allowed to take the remaining materials. This material consisted of duplicate reference books, periodicals, and trade journals — material that is not core to our goal of retaining Chrysler’s rich and storied history.

Elton also wonders whether Fiat knows of the existence of the Archives and if they think it is worth preserving. I can verify that, after several visits from Fiat management, they recognize the value in the materials and wholeheartedly support our ongoing efforts at preservation.

We have historical documents beginning with the 1902 introduction of the Rambler to the present day.