Department of Anthropology records
Scope and Contents
The collection contains the Department of Anthropology’s course materials, correspondences, and findings obtained in the field spanning roughly the second half of the 20th century. The majority of the collection consists of course materials such as syllabi, handouts, and exams. Much of the fieldwork material consists of projects undertaken in Minnesota, though some encompass neighboring states. The latter portion of the collection contains charcoal illustrations relating to biological anthropology that were produced with assistance from the Works Progress Administration.
Dates
- 1926-1999
Creator
- University of Minnesota. Department of Anthropology (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
Items in this collection do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Conditions Governing Use
Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provision of the copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). Requests to publish should be arranged with the University of Minnesota Archives.
Historical Note
The University of Minnesota’s Department of Anthropology, one of the oldest in the country, was founded by anthropologist, Albert Ernest Jenks, in 1918 (1). Jenks began teaching at the University of Minnesota in 1906 as an Assistant Professor of Sociology (2) under the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. On November 8, 1918, after the recommendation by the College of Science, Literature, and the Arts, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology was split in two and Jenks was appointed as Chairman of the Department of Anthropology (3).
On June 16, 1938, after 20 years of directing the department, Jenks retired from his position and continued as a Professor Emeritus (4). For the next twenty years, the Department of Anthropology remained small and it was not until the 1960s that its number in faculty expanded. At that time, the department also shifted their focus from the classroom to the community, by performing fieldwork regionally, nationally and internationally (1). Professors Lloyd A. Wilford and Elden Johnson were known for implementing this educational tactic.
In the 1980s, Ford Hall, where the Department of Anthropology was located, was in need of repair. And in June of 1988, the Ford Hall Remodeling Project was approved and construction began (5). By the 1990s, the Department of Anthropology was encouraging students to engage in archaeological excavation experience outside of the United States. In 1996 it was reported that about ninety percent of cultural anthropology Ph.D. students performed at least one to two years of field work in an international country (6).
Ultimately, it was through the work of professors E. Adamson Hoebel and Robert Spencer, that a four-field approach to anthropology was established during their tenure. This approach helps ensure that all students are trained in social and cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology and archaeology (1). This outlook and approach was vital for the department’s development and is still utilized to this day.
References:
(1) "History," College of Liberal Arts
(2) Biennial Report of the Board of Regents, 1905 - 1906
(3) The President’s Report, 1918-1919
(4) Minutes: Board of Regents' Meetings and Committee Meetings: June 13, 1938
(5) Minutes: Board of Regents Meeting and Regents Committee Meetings: June 9-10, 1988
Extent
17.86 Cubic Feet (13 record boxes, 1 hollinger box and 1 oversized box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection contains correspondence, course materials, and field reports from the University of Minnesota’s Department of Archaeology.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in the following series:
- Series 1: Course Material, 1966-1999
- Series 2: Fieldwork, 1926-1998
- Subseries 2.1: Surveys and Reports, 1926-1998
- Subseries 2.2: Images and Maps, 1933-1983
- Series 3: Administrative Material and Correspondence, 1934-1997
- Series 4: Drawings, Undated
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was acquired in two accessions from the Department of Anthropology. The first accession was transfered to the University Archives on January 24, 1973. The second accession was transfered on May 20, 2015 with the help of Matt Edling and included 14 record boxes.
Processing Information
Processing completed with funds from the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society (2021-2022).
- Anthropology Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Anthropology -- Study and teaching. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Title
- Department of Anthropology records
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Zoltan Lohse
- Date
- September - November 2021
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Box: 1 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 2 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 3 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 4 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 5 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 6 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 7 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 8 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 9 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 10 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 11 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 12 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 13 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 14 (Mixed Materials)
- Box: 15 (Mixed Materials)
Collecting Area Details
Contact The University Archives Collecting Area
