Project at URI preserving Pell's legacy

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) - An ongoing research project at the University of Rhode Island is helping to preserve the public and private life of former U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell, who died Thursday in his Newport home at the age of 90.

A massive collection of materials is being compiled at the school's library, including documents, photos and recordings from the Senator's Washington office. The collection is so extensive, it could take up to five years to complete the project, said Mark Dionne, a political papers archivist at URI.

"They're not always that well organized, so it's our job to get through all that and make sense of it," Dionne said.

The material is used by students, researchers, authors, and even politicians looking for campaign ideas.

Dionne has been working on the project for about a year, and said everyday he literally touches history.

"Claiborne pell you know? he's one of the most respected Senators in history."

More materials are being added to the archive everyday. You can see the entire collection online as well.