Kemler, Leonard M.D., 1920 - 2001

The topics covered in this interview are: Childhood/growing up Jewish in Hartford, being raised by grandparents after the death of his mother, founding of Emanuel and discussion of some of the spiritual leaders, served in Navy in WWII and was unofficial Jewish chaplain, medical residency/medical school, meeting his wife Joan, talks about his two children David and Louise, opening practice in Hartford as thoracic surgeon, work in various area hospitals, bias against Jewish doctors at Hartford Hospital, talk about his paternal uncle Joseph I. Kemler’s medical career after immigrating to Hartford and going to Hartford Public High and Trinity, participation in Yale Alum efforts, reflects on hopes for children, trip to Israel, and impact of the Emanuel.

This file mostly contains newspaper clippings and other documents detailing Kemler's career as a surgeon as well as his involvement in the Emanuel. There are several photocopies/newspaper copies of photographs, which cover the same topics as well as World War II.

Some documents refer to a program where Kemler was to be interviewed by Jerome Caplan at a JHSGH program in April 1982.This interview needs transcription. The audio file is located in Box 15 on cassette tape #277.

There is a partial transcript a 1993 oral history interview.