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West Virginia and Regional History Center
1549 University Ave.P.O. Box 6069
Morgantown, WV 26506-6069
Business Number: 304-293-3536
wvrhcref@westvirginia.libanswers.com
URL: https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu
Catherine Melillo
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.
Special licensing restrictions may apply to documentaries until December 2027. For more information, please contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
Conditions Governing Access
Per West Virginia & Regional History Center policy, special access restrictions apply.
Due to Personally Identifiable Information (PII), box 1 folder 14, box 10 folder 28, box 12 folder 7 and box 13 folder 24
will be restricted for 75 years after the date of record creation, but users may complete the Agreement for the Use of Sensitive
Materials to request access to these materials prior to the expiration of the restriction.
Due to student records, box 1 folder 4 is closed for 75 years after the date of record creation.
Due to Protected Health Information (PHI), box 3 folder 10 is restricted for 100 years from the date of creation unless an
individual grants permission to access the record or the WVRHC is given proof of death that occurred in excess of 50 years
prior to the date of request. Researchers collecting summary data may submit an Access Request Form .
Due to attorney-client privilege, box 10 folders 13 and 18 are restricted for 75 years from the date of record creation. Users
may complete the Agreement for the Use of Sensitive Materials before restriction expires.
Please contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center at in advance to request access to the above-mentioned records.
Researchers may access digitized and born digital materials by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
Some audiovisual materials must be digitized for research access. Researchers must contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department in advance.
Custodial History
Some materials in this collection were sourced from the New Vrindaban property; others were created by Henry Doktorski in the course of his research.
Preferred Citation
[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Henry Doktorski, Compiler, Records regarding Kirtanananda Bhaktipada Swami and the New Vrindaban Commune, A&M 4646, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift from Ham, F. Gerald, via Doktorski, Henry, 2017, 2021-2023.
Biographical / Historical
Kirtanananda Bhaktipada Swami (6 September 1937 - 24 October 2011) was born Keith Gordon Ham in Peekskill, New York to Marjorie (Clark) and the Reverend Francis Gordon Ham, a Baptist minister. In 1959, Bhaktipada graduated from Maryville College magna cum laude and received a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to pursue a doctorate in American history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Bhaktipada remained at North Carolina for three years before dropping out of school in 1961 due an alleged "sex scandal" involving a student.
Bhaktipada and his partner Howard Wheeler moved to New York City, where in 1966, they met A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). This religious movement is more commonly termed "Hare Krishna" and is a denomination of Hinduism. Bhaktipada became Bhaktivedanta's student and devotee, and later became an influential leader in the movement himself. Bhaktipada and Wheeler relocated to Marshall County, West Virginia and leased land near the town of Moundsville. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the land was purchased and developed as the community of New Vrindaban, with Bhaktipada as its spiritual leader.
Bhaktipada and New Vrindaban were the source of many controversies, both internally and externally. Bhaktipada was expelled by ISKCON in 1987, and New Vrindaban itself was also expelled the following year. Bhaktipada was indicted by a federal grand jury in 1990 on charges of mail fraud and racketeering. Although he was initially found guilty, his conviction was vacated on the basis of prejudicial testimony. In 1994, Bhaktipada was offered a plea bargain, which he refused. At the 1996 retrial, he ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and served time in jail from 1996 until 2004. He moved to India in 2008, where he died in October 2011 at age 74 after a period of illness.
Henry Doktorski served as New Vrindaban's Music Director from 1986-1993. In 1994, Doktorski relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to pursue his Masters Degree in Music Composition. Since then, he has performed with several symphony orchestras and performed solo accordion recitals across the country.
In 2018, Doktorski completed his first non-fiction book about Hare Krishna history, Killing for Krishna: The Danger of Deranged Devotion . Since then, he has published eleven more books about New Vrindaban and the Hare Krishnas, which have been the subject of a seven-part podcast series. Doktorski currently resides in California.
Scope and Contents
This collection contains records pertaining to the community of New Vrindaban in Marshall County, West Virginia and its founder Kirtanananda Bhaktipada Swami (Keith Gordon Ham), a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) or "Hare Krishna" religious movement, until his expulsion in 1987. Compiled by Henry Doktorski, a former resident of New Vrindaban and author of several books on the subject, the collection includes records which provide insight into daily life in the commune, such as committee meeting minutes, housing contracts and behavioral guidelines for devotees. There are also audio recordings and written transcripts of meditation sessions and other spiritual practices.
The collection also delves into legal records, press coverage, court transcripts, witness testimony and evidence from multiple criminal and civil cases involving the New Vrindaban commune, several members, and its leader, Bhaktipada. Court transcripts include testimony from devotees revealing intimate details of New Vrindaban society. For example, due to the prominent role of devotee women on fundraising roadtrips, those researching the treatment of women at New Vrindaban might be interested in witness testimony from the 1991 racketeering trial.
The materials appear in a variety of formats, including papers, photographs, slides, cassettes, audio reels and artifacts, such as beads and clothing items.
This collection includes graphic crime scene photos and descriptions of domestic violence and child abuse that may be harmful or difficult to view.
Organization:
The collection is organized into twelve series.
Series 1: New Vrindaban, Records (1967-2015) – Papers related to the daily operation and organization of the New Vrindaban commune in Moundsville, West Virginia.
Series 2: Kirtanananda Bhaktipada Swami, Personal Papers and Correspondence (1949-2011) – Essays, meditations and letters written by the Swami Bhaktipada, as well as personal papers from his childhood and early adulthood.
Series 3: Henry Doktorski, Research and Correspondence (1974-2020) – Personal notes, incoming and outgoing letters, and academic articles pertaining to Doktorski's research for several books on New Vrindaban and Swami Bhaktipada.
Series 4: Steven Bryant (Sulocana Das), Personal Papers and Correspondence (1970-1989) – Personal papers and writings about New Vrindaban by former devotee Steven Bryant prior to his murder in 1986.
Series 5: Court Records and Police Reports (1968-1999) – Legal documents and evidence from civil and criminal cases related to the Swami Bhaktipada and New Vrindaban, including racketeering, arson, and homicide.
Series 6: News Clippings (1966-2019) – Newspaper, magazine and journal articles related to the New Vrindaban commune and Swami Bhaktipada.
Series 7: New Vrindaban and ISKCON Publications (1952-2015) – Hare Krishna associated newsletters, magazines and journals.
Series 8: Audiovisual and Digital Media (1970-2005) – Cassettes, magnetic audio tape and VHS tapes of meetings and religious ceremonies at New Vrindaban.
Series 9: Photographs and Slides (1970s-1990s) – Print photographs and slides depicting life in the New Vrindaban commune as well as several trips to India.
Series 10: Artifacts – Items from the New Vrindaban commune, such as beads and clothing.
Series 11: Books and Unpublished Drafts – Books and drafts written about ISKCON and religious sects, writings by the founder of Hare Krishna, Swami Bhaktipada, Henry Doktorski, Howard Wheeler and various New Vrindaban devotees.
Series 12: Miscellaneous
Note to researchers - Most devotees of New Vrindaban possess both a legal name and a spiritual name that are used interchangeably. Please see below for a guide to key figures:
Keith Ham (Bhaktipada Swami) – Founder and spiritual leader of New Vrindaban.
Steve Bryant (Sulocana Dasa) – Former devotee and vocal critic of Ham/New Vrindaban until his murder in 1986.
Thomas Drescher (Tirtha Swami) – New Vrindaban devotee convicted of Bryant's murder and the murder of devotee Charles Saint
Dennis.
Jane Seward Bryant (Yamuna/Jamuna Dasi) – Bryant's ex-wife.
Ralph Seward (Raghunath) – New husband of Bryant's ex-wife, Jane Seward.
Terry Sheldon (Tapahpunja) – Devotee convicted of conspiring to murder Bryant.
John Sinkowski, also known by the alias Paul MacPherson (Janmastami das) – Devotee involved in the conspiracy to murder Bryant.
Richard "Dick" Dezio (Tulasi Dasa) – New Vrindaban attorney.
Dennis Gorrick (Dharmatma) – Leader of the Sankirtan trips.
Christina Mills (Pradhana Gopika) – The only one of Gorrick's three wives to publicly accuse him of domestic abuse.
Randal Gorby (not a devotee) – Friend of New Vrindaban who bought up property on their behalf when locals wouldn't sell to
Krishnas.
Henry Doktorski (Hrishikesh) – Former devotee who has since written several books about New Vrindaban and Bhaktipada.
Howard Wheeler (Hayagriva) – Undergraduate student who had an affair with Bhaktipada and ultimately became a lifelong partner.
Susan Joseph (Paurnamasi) – Wife of Wheeler (Hayagriva) in the 1980s.
Devin Wheeler (Samba/Dharmaraja) – Son of Wheeler (Hayagriva).
Ronald Nay (Gopinath/RVC Swami) – Headmaster of New Vrindaban school and community archivist, ultimately charged with sexually
abusing boys.
Arthur Villa (Kuladri Dasa) – New Vrindaban temple president from 1976-1986 and key player in the conspiracy to murder Steven
Bryant.
Richard Slavin (Radhanath Swami) – New Vrindaban swami involved in the conspiracy to murder Steven Bryant.
Paul Ferry (Parambrahma) – Community manager
Donald Ferry (Mahabuddhi) – Brother of Paul Ferry (Parambrahma) and accountant at New Vrindaban.
Dan Van Pelt (Devananda Dasa) – Temple commander
Jeffrey Michael Cornia (Yudhisthira) – California devotee with a minor role in the conspiracy to murder Steven Bryant.
Steven Fitzpatrick (Sundarakara) – Director of Palace Press
Martin Hausner (Mahatmadas) – California devotee who played a supporting role in the murder of Steven Bryant.
Mark Meberg (Madhava Ghosh) – New Vrindaban devotee involved in agriculture and real estate
Jay Matsya, originally Lee Renolds (Devamrita Swami) – New Vrindaban temple president and sankirtan leader in the late 1980s
and early 1990s.
Eugene Bilyk (Ganapati Swami) – ISKCON swami and former Chicago temple president
Daniel Reid (Daruka) – New Vrindaban accountant who assisted in the 1983 murder of Charles Saint Dennis.
Alfred Tarantino (Ajeya Dasa/Adi Purusha Swami) – Devotee
Useful Expressions/Terminology:
Sankirtan – Donation seeking
Sankirtan Devotees/Pickers – Devotees on the road collecting donations and selling merchandise like hats and stickers.
Someone is "on the pick" – out on the road collecting
Prasadam – Food
Laxmi - Money
Arrangement
This collection has been organized by series, and original folder arrangement and titles were preserved when possible.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- Bhaktipāda, Swami, 1937-2011
- Bryant, Steven, 1953-1986
- Cults -- United States
- Doktorski, Henry, 1956-
- Ham, F. Gerald, 1930-2021
- Hare Krishnas
- International Society for Krishna Consciousness
- New Vrindaban (Commune)
- Sects -- United States
Significant Persons Associated With the Collection
- Bhaktipāda, Swami, 1937-2011
- Bryant, Steven, 1953-1986
- Doktorski, Henry, 1956-
- Ham, F. Gerald, 1930-2021
Container List
Due to student records, box 1 folder 4 is closed for 75 years.
Due to PII, box 1 folder 14 will be restricted for 75 years after the date of record creation, but users may complete the
Agreement for the Use of Sensitive Materials to request access to these materials prior to the expiration of the restriction.
Please contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc in advance to request
access.
Due to Protective Health Information (PHI), box 3 folder 10 is closed for 100 years from the date of creation unless an individual
grants permission to access the record or the WVRHC is given proof of death that occurred in excess of 50 years prior to the
date of request. Researchers collecting summary data may submit an Access Request Form .
This series contains papers related to the daily operation and organization of the New Vrindaban commune in Moundsville, West Virginia.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 1
Administrative Records1988-1993 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 2
Internal Memos and Fliers1980-1994 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 3
Contracts and Deeds1986-1989 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 4
Education- Tests, Report Cards and Schoolwork1978-1985 and undatedConditions Governing Access
Due to student records, box 1 folder 4 is closed for 75 years.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 5
Meeting Minutes1975-1994
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 6
Committee Reports1985-1994 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 7
Community Planning Department, City of God Project1987-1992 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 8
Community Planning Department, Land of Krishna Projectundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 9
Community Planning Department, General1985-1988 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 10
Summer Campundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 11
Department of Highways1986-1990
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 12
Special Programs and Festivals1981-2015 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 13
Press Releases1978-1994 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 14
Devotee Personal Information1981-1990 and undatedConditions Governing Access
Due to PII, box 1 folder 14 will be restricted for 75 years after the date of record creation, but users may complete the Agreement for the Use of Sensitive Materials to request access to these materials prior to the expiration of the restriction. Please contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc in advance to request access.
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 15
Devotee Attendance and Initiationundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 16
Devotee Scoring1984-1986 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 17
Rules and Principles of Krishna Faith for Devotees1975-1988 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 18
Housing1986-1989 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 19
Archives1969-1989 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 20
Interfaith League Conference1992 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 1 Folder: 21
Festivals1977-1987 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 1
Palace Publishing1985-1992 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 2-3
Prayers, Chants and Ritualsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 4-5
Miscellaneous Krishna Religious Texts1988-1991 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 6
Music1979-1980 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 7-8
Writings by Devotees of Bhaktivedanta and/or Bhaktipada1978-1993 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 9
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Writings and Interviews1967-1977 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 10-11
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Letters, 1960s-1970s1960s-1970s
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 12
Cemetery1986-1987
- Mixed Materials Box: 2 Folder: 13
Transparenciesundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 1
School Curriculum, Lessons and Administration1979-1987 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 2
Devotee Counselling1984 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 3
New Vrindaban Community Court1985-1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 4-5
Miscellaneous Correspondence1976-2003 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 5
Miscellaneous Correspondence1982-1985 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 6-8
Financial Records1975-1993 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 9
Financial Statements1981-1985
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 10
Student Enrollment and Health Records1979-1986 and undatedConditions Governing Access
Due to Protective Health Information (PHI), box 3 folder 10 is closed for 100 years from the date of creation unless an individual grants permission to access the record or the WVRHC is given proof of death that occurred in excess of 50 years prior to the date of request. Researchers collecting summary data may submit an Access Request Form .
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 11
New Vrindaban Fundraising1985-1986 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 12
Janmastami (Paul MacPherson) Letters1992-1993 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 13
Thomas Drescher Letters1986-1987 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 14
Thomas Drescher Letters and Writings1993-1994 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 15-17
New Vrindaban Miscellaneous1972-2005 and undated
This series contains essays and meditations written by the Swami Bhaktipada, incoming and outgoing correspondence, and personal papers from his childhood and early adulthood.
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 18
Bhaktipada Personal Memorabilia1949-2011 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 3 Folder: 19
Bhaktipada First Amendment Freedom Tour1987
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 1
Bhaktipada Correspondence, 1960s-1970s1960s-1970s
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 2
Bhaktipada Correspondence, 1980-19821980-1982
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 3
Bhaktipada Correspondence, Bombay, 19831983Scope and Contents
Correspondence to and from devotees in Bombay.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 4
Bhaktipada Correspondence, Canada, 19831983Scope and Contents
Correspondence to and from devotees in Canada.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 5
Bhaktipada Correspondence, New Vrindaban Boys, 19831983
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 6
Bhaktipada Correspondence, New Vrindaban Girls, 19831983
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 7
Bhaktipada Correspondence, New Vrindaban Men, 19831983
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 8
Bhaktipada Correspondence, New Vrindaban Women, 19831983
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 9
Bhaktipada Correspondence, Cleveland, 19831983Scope and Contents
Correspondence to and from devotees in Cleveland.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 10
Bhaktipada Correspondence, Africa, 19831983Scope and Contents
Correspondence to and from devotees in Africa.
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 11
Bhaktipada Correspondence, Miscellaneous, 19831983
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 12
Bhaktipada 1984 Correspondence1984
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 13-22
Bhaktipada 1985 Correspondence1985
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 23
Bhaktipada Correspondence, Ground Breaking Ceremony1985
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 24
Bhaktipada Correspondence with Mahaprabhudas1985-1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 4 Folder: 25-30 Mixed Materials Box: 5 Folder: 1-11
Bhaktipada 1986 Correspondence1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 5 Folder: 12-20 Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 1-13
Bhaktipada 1987 Correspondence1987
- Mixed Materials Box: 6 Folder: 14-23 Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 1-6
Bhaktipada 1988 Correspondence1988
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 7-13
Bhaktipada 1989 Correspondence1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 14
Bhaktipada 1990 Correspondence1990
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 15-16
Bhaktipada 1991 Correspondence1991
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 17
Bhaktipada Correspondence, 1992-19981992-1998
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 18-19
Bhaktipada Undated Correspondenceundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 20-21
Writings by Bhaktipada1981-1993 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 7 Folder: 22-23
Bhaktipada Interview Transcripts1985-2004 and undated
This series contains personal notes, incoming and outgoing letters, and academic articles pertaining to Doktorski's research for several books on New Vrindaban and Swami Bhaktipada. There is no clear connection to link specific folders of material with specific works by Doktorski.
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 1
Doktorski Correspondence with Drescher, 2002-20032002-2003
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 2
Doktorski Correspondence with Drescher, 20042004
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 3
Doktorski Correspondence with Drescher, 20052005
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 4
Doktorski Correspondence with Drescher, 2006-20072006-2007
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 5
Doktorski Correspondence with Drescher, 2008-20092008-2009
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 6
Doktorski Correspondence with Drescher, 2010-20172010-2017
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 7
Doktorski Correspondence with Eric Johanson2014
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 8
Doktorski Correspondence, Miscellaneous1993-2020
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 9
Doktorski, Essays1993-2002 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 10-11
Doktorski Notes on New Vrindaban Publications and Board Meetings1974-1988
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 12-15
Doktorski Notes, Miscellaneousundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 16
Doktorski Notes, Interviewsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 17
Doktorski Research, Music2002 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 18
Anti-Cult Literature1984-2010
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 19
Doktorski, Miscellaneous1981-2003 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 8 Folder: 20-22
Miscellaneous Oversized Correspondenceundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 1-9
Doktorski Email Correspondence2008-2014
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 10
Doktorski Notes on New Vrindaban Archivesundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 11
Doktorski Book Research2011-2014 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 12
Academic Papers on ISKCON and New Vrindabanundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 13
Academic Papers on Psychology of Charismatic Leaders and Abuse1979-2005
- Mixed Materials Box: 9 Folder: 14-15
Academic Papers on Religion2003-2014 and undated
This series contains personal papers and writings about New Vrindaban by former devotee Steven Bryant prior to his murder in 1986.
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 1-2
Bryant Book Draftundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 3
Bryant Book Draft, Appendix1980s
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 4
Bryant Book Notesundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 5
Bryant Book Research and Correspondence1970s-1980s and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 6-9
Bryant Jail Records1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 10
Rebuttals to Bryant's Claims1985 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 11
Bryant Correspondence1984-1985 and undated
Due to attorney-client privilege, box 10 folders 13 and 18 are restricted for 75 years from the date of record creation. Users
may complete the Agreement for the Use of Sensitive Materials before restriction expires.
Due to PII, box 10 folder 28, box 12 folder 7, and box 13 folder 24 will be restricted for 75 years after the date of record
creation, but users may complete the Agreement for the Use of Sensitive Materials to request access to these materials prior
to the expiration of the restriction. Please contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc
in advance to request access.
Researchers may access digitized materials by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting
the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
This series contains legal documents and evidence from civil and criminal cases related to the Swami Bhaktipada and New Vrindaban, including racketeering, arson, and homicide.
Box 13 folder 12 includes graphic crime scene photos.
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 12
Jeff Cornia, FBI Interview1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 13
Lawyer (Likely Dick Dezio) Notes on Miscellaneous Witness Testimony1993-1994 and undatedConditions Governing Access
Due to attorney-client privilege, box 10 folder 13 is restricted for 75 years from the date of record creation. Users may complete the Agreement for the Use of Sensitive Materials before restriction expires.
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 14
Jeff Cornia, Arrest Record and Police Interview1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 15
Motions to Quash Grand Jury Subpoenas and Related Documents1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 16-17
United States v. New Vrindaban, Regarding Materials Confiscating in FBI Raid1987
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 18
Unknown Attorney Notes1991-1994Closed for 75 years
Due to attorney-client privilege, box 10 folder 18 is restricted for 75 years from the date of record creation. Users may complete the Agreement for the Use of Sensitive Materials before restriction expires.
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 19
Witness Statements1984-1994
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 20
Report of Criminal Investigation into Saint Denis Murderundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 21
Records Regarding the Search for Saint Denis's Remains at New Vrindaban1984-1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 22-25
United States v. Terry Sheldon1986-1994
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 26
Drescher Case, Miscellaneous1986-1993
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 27
Tsacrios Statement Regarding Drescher and Saint Denis1984
- Mixed Materials Box: 10 Folder: 28
Sarva Dharma Bryant Custody Case1987Conditions Governing Access
Due to PII, box 10 folder 28 will be restricted for 75 years after the date of record creation, but users may complete the Agreement for the Use of Sensitive Materials to request access to these materials prior to the expiration of the restriction. Please contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc in advance to request access.
- Mixed Materials Box: 11
United States v. Ham et al. Trial Transcript, Day 11991
- Mixed Materials Box: 11
United States v. Ham et al. Trial Transcript, Day 21991
- Mixed Materials Box: 11
United States v. Ham et al. Trial Transcript, Day 31991
- Mixed Materials Box: 11
United States v. Ham et al. Trial Transcript, Day 41991
- Mixed Materials Box: 11
United States v. Ham et al. Trial Transcript, Day 51991
- Mixed Materials Box: 11
United States v. Ham et al. Trial Transcript, Day 61991
- Mixed Materials Box: 11
United States v. Ham et al. Trial Transcript, Day 71991
- Mixed Materials Box: 11
United States v. Ham et al. Trial Transcript, Day 81991
- Mixed Materials Box: 11
United States v. Ham et al. Trial Transcript, Day 91991
- Mixed Materials Box: 11
United States v. Ham et al. Trial Transcript, Day 101991
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 1
Christina Mills FBI Interview1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 2
Martin Hausner Police Interview1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 3
Eugene P. Bilyk FBI Interview1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 4
People v. Drescher, Index to Discovery1990
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 5
People v. Drescher, Trial Index1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 6
People v. Drescher, Witness Listundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 7
Child Welfare Visit Report for Seward Family1987Conditions Governing Access
Due to PII, box 12 folder 7 will be restricted for 75 years after the date of record creation, but users may complete the Agreement for the Use of Sensitive Materials to request access to these materials prior to the expiration of the restriction. Please contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc in advance to request access.
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 8
Examination of Debra Gere by Sergent Westfall Regarding Saint Denisundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 9
Randall Gorby Police Statements1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 10
Randall Gorby Testimony, Drescher Pre-Trial Hearingundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 11
Randall Gorby Statementundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 12
Richard Slavin Police Statements1989-1994
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 13
Richard Lonsford Investigations, Witness Interviews Regarding Bryant Murder1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 14
Drescher Pre-Trial Hearing1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 15
Jim Fauley Deposition1993
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 16
Thomas White, Prosecuting Attorney1984-1993
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 17
Sergent Thomas Westfall, Child Molestation Investigation1993 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 18
Chris Walker Testimony Regarding Molestation1991
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 19
Chris Bailey Testimony Regarding Molestation1991
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 20
Arthur Villa Testimony Regarding Child Endangerment on Fundraising Trips1991
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 21
Search at Greyhound Station, Wheeling, West Virginia1987
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 22-24
United States v. Ham and Drescher, Trial Transcripts1987-1988
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 25-33
Richard Rose Civil Suit1979-1884
- Mixed Materials Box: 12 Folder: 34-35
Richard Dezio Records Regarding Rose Civil Suit1991-1992
- Mixed Materials Box: 12
Rose v. New Vrindaban Community Binder1992-1995
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 1
United States v. Ham Indictmentundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 2
Grand Jury Motions and Related Records1986-1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 3
FBI Raid1987
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 4
Lawyer Correspondence and Invoices1986-1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 5
United States v. New Vrindaban, Pleadings1987
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 6
United States v. Ham Index of Government Exhibits and Witness Lists1991-1993 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 7
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 1-8, 10-12, 141970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 8
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 17, 18, 20-291970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 9
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 31, 32, 34, 36, 38-44, 46, 47, 49, 501970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 10
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 51-601970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 11
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 62-66, 69-801970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 12
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 81-901970s-1990sScope and Contents
This folder includes graphic crime scene photos.
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 13
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 91, 93, 95-1001970s-1990sConditions Governing Access
Physical and digitized copies are available. Researchers may access digitized materials by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 14
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 101-1081970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 15
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 109-1151970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 16
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 116-118, 120, 125, 127-1361970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 17
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 137-1981970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 18
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 200-2301970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 19
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 231-233, 235, 236, 238-2501970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 20
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 251-2751970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 21
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 276-3001970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 22
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 301-3571970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 23
United States v. Ham, Government Exhibits 406-409, 411-427, 433-4361970s-1990s
- Mixed Materials Box: 13 Folder: 24
Prospective JurorsundatedConditions Governing Access
Due to PII, box 13 folder 24 will be restricted for 75 years after the date of record creation, but users may complete the Agreement for the Use of Sensitive Materials to request access to these materials prior to the expiration of the restriction. Please contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc in advance to request access.
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 1
Gail Conger, FBI Interview and Personal Account1986 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 2
Miscellaneous Sheldon Legal Records1991 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 3
Donald Ferry, FBI Interview1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 4
Property Receipts from FBI Raid1987
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 5
United States v. Gorrick, Indictmentundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 6
Miscellaneous Drescher Legal Records1986-1994 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 7
ISKCON Office of Legal Affairs1979-1982
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 8
Court Transcripts, Miscellaneousundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 9
Miscellaneous Legal1986-1996 and undated
This series contains newspaper, magazine and journal articles related to the New Vrindaban commune and Swami Bhaktipada.
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 10
News Clippings, 1966-19731966-1973
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 11
News Clippings, 1974-19781974-1978
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 12
News Clippings, 19791979
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 13
News Clippings, 1979-19801979-1980
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 14
News Clippings, 19801980
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 15
News Clippings, 1981-19831981-1983
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 16
News Clippings, 19841984
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 17-22
News Clippings, 19851985
- Mixed Materials Box: 14 Folder: 23-27 Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 1-4
News Clippings, 19861986
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 5-13
News Clippings, 19871987
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 14
News Clippings, 19881988
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 15
News Clippings, 19891989
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 16
News Clippings, 19901990
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 17
News Clippings, 19911991
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 18
News Clippings, 19921992
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 19
News Clippings, 19931993
- Mixed Materials Box: 15 Folder: 20
News Clippings, 1994-20111994-2011
- Mixed Materials Box: 16 Mixed Materials Box: 17 Mixed Materials Box: 18
Miscellaneous Full Size Newspapers1970s-2010s
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 1
Oversized News Clippings, 1966-19801966-1980
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 2
Oversized News Clippings, 1981-19841981-1984
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 3-4
Oversized News Clippings, 19851985
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 5
Oversized News Clippings, 19861986
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 6-8
Oversized News Clippings, 19871987
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 9
Oversized News Clippings, 19881988
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 10
Oversized News Clippings, 1991-20161991-2016
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 11-12
Oversized News Clippings, Undatedundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 13
News Article Index1983-1990 and undated
This series contains Hare Krishna associated newsletters, magazines and journals.
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 14
The City of God Examiner1990-1991
- Mixed Materials Box: 19 Folder: 15-16
Religious Freedom Publications1983-1987 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 1
ISKCON Report1980
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 2
ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC) News1978-1991
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 3
Penscope1993-1994
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 4
Sacred Voices1992-1994
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 5
Devotional Spirit2003
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 6
Foreign Language Publicationsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 7
Higher Consciousness1988-1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 8
Sankirtan Newsletter1985
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 9
Light Lines1982-1991
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 10
Clarion Call1989-1990
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 11
Old South Vedic Review1987-1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 12
Vedic Village Review1990-1992
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 13
Nectar of the Holy Name1988-1992
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 14
The Message of Bhagavad-Gita1989-1990
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 15
The ISKCON World Review , Volume 11981
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 16
The ISKCON World Review , Volume 2undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 17
The ISKCON World Review , Volume 3undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 18
The ISKCON World Review , Volume 4undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 19
The ISKCON World Review , Volume 5undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 20
The ISKCON World Review , Volume 61986-1987
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 21
The ISKCON World Review , Volume 71987-1988
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 22
The ISKCON World Review , Volume 81988-1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 23
The Vaisnava Journal1986-1988
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 24
Miscellaneous ISKCON Newsletters1983-2006
- Mixed Materials Box: 20 Folder: 25-26
Miscellaneous ISKCON Magazines1987-1995 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 1
Back to Godhead , Volumes 15-221980-1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 2
Back to Godhead , Volumes 24-30 and Miscellaneous1989-1996 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 3
Brijabasi Spirit , April-July, 19741974
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 4
Brijabasi Spirit , August-December, 19741974
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 5
Brijabasi Spirit , January-June, 19751975
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 6
Brijabasi Spirit , July-December, 19751975
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 7
Brijabasi Spirit , 19761976
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 8
Brijabasi Spirit , 1977-19781977-1978
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 9
Brijabasi Spirit , 1979-19811979-1981
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 10
Brijabasi Spirit , 1982-19831982-1983
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 11
Brijabasi Spirit , 1984-19861984-1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 12
Brijabasi Spirit , 1987-19881987-1988
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 13
Brijabasi Spirit , 1993-20061993-2006
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 14
Brijabasi Spirit , Miscellaneousundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 21 Folder: 15
Brijabasi Bulletin1984
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 1
Palace Publishing Newsletter1986
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 2
Interfaith Bridges1993-1994
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 3
Picker's Delight1987
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 4
Bhaktipada Newsletter , 1995-19991995-1999
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 5
Bhaktipada Newsletter , 2008-20112008-2011
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 6
New Vrindaban Newsletter1992-1994
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 7
Land of Krishna1984-1987
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 8
As It Is1985
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 9
New Vrindaban Today1988
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 10
Vrindaban Moon1988-1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 11
Vrindaban's Woods and Groves1988-1990
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 12
New Vrindaban Town Crier1992
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 13
Interfaith League Newsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 14
New Vrindaban Worldwide1988-1989
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 15
Junior Brijabasi1986-1988
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 16
New Vrindaban World1990-1992
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 17-19
New Vrindaban News , 19851985
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 20-21
New Vrindaban News , 19861986
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 22
New Vrindaban News , 19871987
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 23
New Vrindaban News , 1996-19981996-1998
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 24
Sri Vrndavana Dhama Newsletter1993-1994
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 25
Spiritual World1988
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 26
New Vrindaban Tourism Brochuresundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 27
Miscellaneous New Vrindaban Newsletters1983-2001 and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 22 Folder: 28-31
Miscellaneous Pamphlets and Fliers1952-1997 and undated
Researchers may access digitized and born digital materials by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
Some materials must be digitized for research access. Researchers must contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department in advance.
- Mixed Materials Box: 23
Cassettes, VHS Tapes, Magnetic Audio Tapes, and Digital Drives1970s-2002Conditions Governing Access
Researchers may access born digital materials by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
Some audiovisual materials must be digitized for research access. Researchers must contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department in advance.
- Mixed Materials Box: 24
Magnetic Audio Tapes and CDs1970s-early 2000s and undatedConditions Governing Access
Some audiovisual materials must be digitized for research access. Researchers must contact the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department in advance.
This series contains print photographs and slides depicting life in the New Vrindaban commune as well as several trips to India. Some of these have been scanned. The images are mostly/all unidentified.
Researchers may access digitized materials by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
- Mixed Materials Box: 25 Mixed Materials Box: 26 Mixed Materials Box: 27
Photograph Slides1970s-1990s and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 28 Mixed Materials Box: 29
Scanned Slides1970s-1990s and undatedConditions Governing Access
Researchers may access digitized materials by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
- Mixed Materials Box: 30 Mixed Material Box: 31
Negatives1970s-1990s and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 32
Slides and Negatives1970s-1990s and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 33 Mixed Materials Box: 34 Mixed Materials Box: 35 Mixed Materials Folder: Oversize 1
Photograph Prints1970s-1990s and undatedConditions Governing Access
Some of these prints have been scanned. Researchers may access digitized materials by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
This series contains items from the New Vrindaban commune, such as beads and clothing.
- Mixed Materials Box: 36
Robes, Beads and Other Artifactsundated
Included in this series is a digital copy of one book, which researchers may access by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
This series contains books and drafts written about ISKCON and religious sects, writings by the founder of Hare Krishna, Swami Bhaktipada, Henry Doktorski, Howard Wheeler and various New Vrindaban devotees.
- Mixed Materials Box: 37
Unpublished Drafts1970s-2000s
- Mixed Materials Box: 38 Mixed Materials Box: 39 Mixed Materials Box: 40 Mixed Materials Box: 47 Mixed Materials Box: 48
Hare Krishna Books1977-2005Conditions Governing Access
Includes one book that has been digitized, which researchers may access by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.
- Mixed Materials Box: 41
Religious Theory Books1993-2018
- Mixed Materials Box: 42 Mixed Materials Box: 43 Mixed Materials Box: 44 Mixed Materials Box: 45
Books by the Founder of Hare Krishna1979-2003
- Mixed Materials Box: 46 Folder: 1
Miscellaneous Publications1970s-2000s
- Mixed Materials Box: 46 Folder: 2
School for Applied Yoga Studiesundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 46 Folder: 3
Miscellaneous Documents1970s-1990s and undated
- Mixed Materials Box: 46 Folder: 4-5
Hymnalsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 46 Folder: 6
Empty Slide Sheetsundated
- Mixed Materials Box: 46 Folder: 7
Drawingsundated