William A. Bryan collection

Collection

Identifier: NHM-ARC-0002

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection is comprised primarily of correspondence, as well as newspaper clippings, collecting permits, press releases, and photographs and includes director William A. Bryan's Natural History of Hawaii manuscript. The collection documents the activities of Director of the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science, and Art, William A. Bryan from 1921-1939 and incldues correspondence regarding collecting expeditions to Africa, Mexico, and Alaska, construction of the Museum's diorama halls, and the excavations Conkling Cave, New Mexico.

Dates

1920 - 1955, bulk 1920 - 1938

Biographical / Historical

William A. Bryan (1875-1942) served as director of the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science, and Art from 1921-1939. Bryan took part in establishing a junior museum which was later transformed into the Department of Education and docent program as well as overseeing the construction of two large additions to the museum to house habitat halls, a marine exhibit, and additional art galleries.

Extent

7 Linear Feet (17 Full Hollinger Boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The William A. Bryan Collection documents the activities of Museum Director William A. Bryan (1875-1942) from 1921-1939 and is comprised primarily of correspondence, newspaper clippings, collecting permits, press releases, and photographs and includes director William A. Bryan's Natural History of Hawaii manuscript. The collection incldues correspondence regarding collecting expeditions to Africa, Mexico, and Alaska, construction of the Museum's diorama halls, and the excavations Conkling Cave, New Mexico.

Arrangement

Arranged in eleven series: Series 1. Budget, 1920-1938 Series 2. Bryan's Natural History of Hawaii manuscript, 1920-1938. Series 3. Conkling Cave, 1929-1955 Series 4. Correspondence, 1920-1955. Series 5. Ephemera, 1920-1955. Series 6. Hancock Park, 1925-1938. Series 7. Museum collecting expeditions, 1920-1938. Series 8. Olympic games, 1932 Series 9. Otis Art Institute, 1925. Series 10. Reports, 1920-1938. Series 11. Supply lists, 1923-1924.