Institute of Social Anthropology records
The Institute of Social Anthropology was an autonomous unit of the Smithsonian Institution which existed from 1942-1952. The objectives of the Institute of Social Anthropology were to work in cooperation with the institutions in certain Latin American republics which had requested assistance in anthropological work; the Institute of Social Anthropology had two main objectives: 1) Training of personnel in the concepts and techniques of anthropology; 2) Acquisition of a body of scientific information concerning the basic rural populations that is fundamental to any program affecting Latin Americans as well as to science and education. The research provided an understanding of the manner of living, agricultural systems in relation to environmental factors, economic life, crafts and industries, food habits, health status, social organization, religion, language, literacy, and basic attitudes and interests of the people. From a scientific point of view, these studies revealed the most recent changes and the factors making for change in cultures that in many instances can be traced back more than 2,000 years through archaeology and post-conquest written history. From a practical point of view, the findings were indispensable to any action programs, both governmental and private, concerned with matters of health, education, soil erosion, commercial development, colonization, marketing, and so on.
Ralph Leon Beals papers
The Beals papers in the National Anthropological Archives include field notes, correspondence, printed materials, copies of historical documents, drafts and final manuscripts of writings, photographs, and cartographic materials. Most relate to research projects and sometimes include materials of colleagues and assistants. Especially notable is the abundant material regarding Oaxaca markets. There are some materials relating to aspects of Beals's career other than his research but they are generally widely distributed throughout the collection. Materials relating to events that happened to occur at the time of certain field work are often interfiled with the material relating to that certain field work. There are also some personal materials included. Conspicuously missing from the papers are notes on Beals's archeological work, which he has retained. There are relatively few materials relating to his teaching career, although some of the letters exchanged with Alfred Louis Kroeber concern the establishment of anthropology at the University of California at Los Angeles; and correspondence with students in the field concerns teaching as well as research activities. A typesript of notes on the Nisenan are at the Bancroft Library of the University of California at Berkeley. Some of the letters concern Elsie Clews Parsons and Carlos Castenada.
Felix Webster McBryde films
Papers, films and photographs of Felix Webster McBryde, cultural geographer, mostly related to his work in South and Central America. Also some papers of wife, Frances McBryde. Supplementary materials: water colors, paper records. Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context …
This collection includes records concerning the Board's projects, general correspondence, committee and organization work and information concerning specialized data and special subjects. Postwar regional administration records, geographic reports, country information files, photographs and uncompleted project records are also included, as are the Board's fiscal, conference, meeting and miscellaneous records.
William C. Sturtevant papers
This collection contains the professional papers of William Curtis Sturtevant and documents his activities as Curator of North American Ethnology at the National Museum of Natural History, his work as the editor-in-chief of the Handbook of North American Indians, his research among the Seminole and Iroquois people, and other professional activities. The collection is comprised of books, sound recordings, research and field notes, realia, artifacts, clippings, microfilm, negatives, slides, photographs, manuscripts, correspondence, memorandums, card files, exhibition catalogs, articles, and bibliographies.
Central States Anthropological Society records
Central States Anthropological Society (U.S.)
Zimmerman, Lorraine May
Wolfe, Alvin W. (Alvin William), 1928-
This collection consists of the records of the Central States Anthropological Society and documents the activities of its officers. Also included is a manuscript history of the organization.
William Duncan Strong papers
William Duncan Strong's early interest was in zoology, but, while an undergraduate at the University of California, he was brought into anthropology under the influence of Alfred Louis Kroeber. He conducted archaeological and ethnological field research in several areas of the New World and was the first professionally trained archaeologist to focus on the Great Plains, where he applied the so-called direct historical method, working from known history in interpreting archaeological sites. Strong's papers include correspondence, field notes, diaries, newspaper clippings, teaching notes and student papers, manuscripts of his writings, writings by other authors, papers from the various organizations in which he served, maps, and a considerable number of photographs from his field work. The materials date from 1902 to 1965, with most of the materials being from 1927 to 1955.
Alexander Wetmore Papers
The papers of Alexander Wetmore were received in the Smithsonian Archives in several different accessions between 1978 and 1987. The Archives would like to thank Mrs. Beatrice T. Wetmore for her help in transferring her husband's papers to the Archives. We also appreciate the assistance of the staff of the Division of …
Ethel Cutler Freeman papers
Ethel Cutler Freeman was an amateur Seminole specialist and research associate with the American Museum of Natural History. Her papers also reflect field work among the Arapaho, Shoshoni, Navaho, Pueblo, Hopi, Kickapoo, and people of the Virgin Islands, the Bahama Islands, and Haiti, and the music and chants of Africa, including those of the Maasai, Zulu, and Pygmies. A small amount of material relates to the Hoover Commission on Indian Affairs, of which Freeman was a member. Correspondents include several Seminole Indians and government officials, personal acquaintances, organizations, and associates of the American Museum of Natural History.
Joel Martin Halpern and Barbara Kerewsky-Halpern papers
Halpern, Joel Martin
1 Cassette tape
60 Linear feet (Consisting of 60 boxes and 2 boxes of separated restricted materials)
This collection is comprised of the professional papers of Joel M. Halpern and, to a lesser extent, the papers of Barbara Kerewsky-Halpern. Both their collaborations and individual work are represented here. Materials include their correspondence, published and unpublished writings, research materials, photographs, grant applications, consultant work, teaching files, their files …