Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Black, Glenn A. (Glenn Albert), 1900-1964
- Abstract:
- The Glenn Black Papers, 1917-1970 consists of the files of the first State Archaeologist for Indiana and former Indiana University professor, Glenn Black, 1900-1964, primarily relating to his research and archaeological digs at Native American sites.
- Extent:
- 10.1 cubic ft.(ca.)(ca.)
- Language:
- Materials are in English
- Preferred citation:
[item], Glenn A. Black Mss., Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Indiana University, Bloomington.
Background
- Biographical / Historical:
Glenn Black, 1900-1964, is considered the first archaeologist of Indiana. He studied Native American and prehistoric archaeological sites in Indiana and the surrounding area. He did not attend college, but received an honorary Ph.d. by Wabash College in 1951. Black is most known for his work at Angel Mounds, a Mississippian site outside of Evansville, Indiana that he brought to national attention. Friend and fellow member of the Indiana Historical Society, Eli Lilly, contributed a substantial donation to purchase the land of Angel Mounds in the 1930s to support archaeological excavation of the site. Black operated a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project at Angel Mounds from 1939-1941 when operations stopped due to the United State's entrance into World War II. Beginning in the late 1940s, Black ran a field school at Angel Mounds as well as teaching primarily archaeology, anthropology, and zoology at Indiana University.
Black married Ida May Hazzard in 1931, and after moving to Evansville in 1939 remained there until Black's death on September 2, 1964. The Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology was established on Indiana University's campus in memory of Black's legacy with funds from Eli Lilly and Ida Black. The institution opened on April 21, 1971, and houses the archaeological collections of the Indiana Historical Collection, Eli Lilly, and artifacts from Angel Mounds and other Midwestern sites.
- Scope and Content:
The Glenn Black Papers, 1917-1970 consists of the files of archaeologist and former Indiana University professor, Glenn A. Black, 1900-1964, primarily relating to his research and archaeological excavations at Midwestern Native American sites. The collection includes Black's records as a professor and supervisor of excavations at Angel Mounds; correspondence; Work Projects Administration (WPA) forms and documentation; grant applications; course materials; reference images and notes; manuscripts; and photographs.
- Acquisition information:
- Acquisition No. MSS0002
- Custodial history:
Black mss. was largely created by Glenn A. Black while living and working at Angel Mounds. After his sudden death in 1964, the files and correspondence were moved to Bloomington, Indiana to be housed at the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology. The records were physically processed and organized in the summer fo 2018 at which time a finding aid was created.
- Processing information:
Basic processing of the collection by Kelsey Grimm and Haley Suby, Summer 2017. Further processing completed by Brianna McLaughlin, Summer 2018. Patrick Sovereign created EAD, Spring 2020. Files digitized by Ellie Harrison, Fall 2022 and Spring/Summer 2023.
- Arrangement:
The collection is organized in the following series: I. Correspondence by Subject; II. Indiana University and Angel Mounds Correspondence; III. Angel Mounds; IV. Field School; V. Work Projects Administration; VI. Presentations and Publications; VII. Organizations; VIII. Society for American Archaeology; IX. Professional Reference; X. Personal Reference; XI. Oversize.
The correspondence by subject series is arranged alphabetically by subject. The Indiana University and Angel Mounds correspondence series is arranged chronologically. The remainder of the collection is arranged alphabetically.
Access
- RESTRICTIONS:
-
The Field School series in boxes 6-8 have sensitive information and are restricted.
- TERMS OF ACCESS:
-
This collection is open for research.
The Field School series in boxes 6-8 have sensitive information and are restricted. Advanced notice is required.
- PREFERRED CITATION:
-
[item], Glenn A. Black Mss., Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Indiana University, Bloomington.
- CAMPUS:
- Indiana University Bloomington
- LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
-
Reading Room and Archive416 North Indiana AvenueBloomington, Indiana 47408, United States
- CAMPUS:
- Indiana University Bloomington
- CONTACT:
-
812-855-9544gbl@indiana.edu