Arthur Mag (1896-1981) Papers (K0092)

Mag graduated from the public schools in New Britain, Connecticut, and entered Yale College in 1914. He received a B.A. in 1918, and a LL.B in 1920 from the Yale Law School. Shortly afterward Mag came to Kansas City to join the law firm of Rozzelle, Vineyard, Thatcher and Boys. By 1924, he had become a full partner in the firm which later became Stinson, Mag, and Fizzell.

Mag's practice primarily focused on corporate and estate matters. He developed the novel concept of organizing trusts dedicated to the permanent benefit of humanity, rather than a specific cause, by giving the trustees authority to use the proceeds of the trusts for the changing needs of the public. Through his efforts four independent trusts, joined by others in succeeding years, were brought together administratively to form the Kansas City Association of Trusts and Foundations.

Mag was a multi-faceted, talented person. His association with major corporations was not only as their legal advisor but also as a member of their Boards of Directors. He also served long and ably on a number of non-profit organizations' boards. He helped found the Midwest Research Institute, the Menorah Medical Center, and the University of Kansas City (now the University of Missouri-Kansas City), and sat on the boards of the Menniger Foundation and National Institute of Mental Health. He served on a number of local, state, and national commissions including the Mayor's Commission on Civil Disorder in 1968, the Missouri Governor's Committee on Delinquency and Crime (1966-1969), the Missouri Governor's Task Force on the role of Private Higher Education (1970), the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, and the Committee for Economic Development.

See also the Charles N. Kimball lecture by  Donald H. Chisholm, The Philanthropic Philosophy of Arthur Mag 

The papers are divided into six categories: biographical; personal correspondence; "fact memos", including such items as travel itineraries, financial memoranda, and other non-correspondence information; awards and honors conferred on Mag; speeches; and materials relating to the various commissions, foundations, public organizations, and committees on which Mag served. 1921-1981.

394 folders and 3 volumes (8 cubic feet).

INVENTORY 

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updated: Thursday, January 03, 2013
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