PORTLAND — The Judaica Collection of USM’s Jean Byers Sampson Center for Diversity in Maine has received extensive family papers from Sumner and Rosalyne Bernstein, leaders in Maine’s legal and civic communities and an influential Jewish family.

Sumner Bernstein’s papers span 1934 to 2002, during which he served in World War II, met and married his wife, Rosalyne, and helped establish the Portland law firm of Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer and Nelson.

Sumner Bernstein, who died June 24, was an honorary director of the Jewish Community Alliance and a member of the National Council of the America-Israel Public Affairs Committee. Of particular value are 25 folders of family correspondence dating from 1940-1945, which will add to original research opportunities in American and New England studies, according to the center.

Rosalyne Bernstein, who continues to be active in the community, donated her personal papers to the center in 2002. They document her work, particularly in the fields of education, public health and social services, as well as her activity in the Jewish community.

“The Rosalyne E. Bernstein Papers record the development of a woman who began her community involvement in the traditional ways open to women in the 1950s, and evolved into a leading activist and supporter for some of the most important institutions in this state,” said Susie Bock, director of the Sampson Center.

For more information, people can contact Bock at 780-4269 or visit the Web site at http://library.usm.maine.edu/speccoll/index.html.