Manuscript Collections
Manuscript collections provide a unique look at individuals, families, or groups by collecting papers, diaries, journals, photographs, and other primary materials and making them available to researchers and students. This is hands-on history at its most exciting.
Highlights of the Manuscript Collections:
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James Norman Hall PapersHall, a native of Colfax, Iowa, graduated from Grinnell College in 1910 and went on to gain fame as the co-author of Mutiny on the Bounty. While Hall is best known as an author, his papers reflect the variety of his experiences as a social worker in Boston, a gunner in the British Army during WWI, a pursuit pilot in the famed Escadrille Lafayette, and a settler in the island paradise of Tahiti. Manuscripts of his novels and other writings are included in this rich collection. |
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George Herron PapersGeorge Herron was one of the most colorful characters in the history of Grinnell College. He was chair of Applied Christianity from 1893 to 1899 and was a key figure in the social gospel movement. His relationship with Carrie Rand caused a scandal, particularly after he left his wife and children for her. Herron moved to Italy where he worked for Woodrow Wilson's peace program. |
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Henry S. Conard PapersConard was a professor of Botany at Grinnell College from 1906-1944. He gained international recognition as a botanist and bryologist and was an early environmental activist. His papers contain notes on native Iowa flora and are important for anyone interested in prairie reconstruction. The Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA) is named in his honor. |
Matlack Family Papers
A rich resource for local history covering 120 years in the life of a Grinnell family, this collection contains letters, clippings, report cards, minutes, photos, genealogy, and memoirs.
How to locate manuscript collections
Archon indexes the finding aids to manuscript collections.
