Guide to the Clifford Evans papers, 1946-1975

Scope and Contents

The Cliffords Evans Collection documents his tenure as Chairman of the Department of Anthropology at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, and his Latin American archaeological studies. Evans Chairman's Office files include correspondence, reports, etc. highlighting the research of the staff of the Department of Anthropology along with materials documenting various committees and exhibit development. Among the Latin American materials are a photo journal of Evans Lower Amazon Expedition in 1948-1949 and files relating to the Institute for Andean Research. The Evans collection also includes information on archaeological work in the states of Maryland and Virginia.

Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Biographical Note

Clifford Evans was a pioneer in the study of the prehistoric past of South American Amazonian forests and lowlands. Evans earned a B.A. from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. from Columbia. He was also the author of the basic text on the archaelogy of the state of Virginia. Clifford Evans started working for the Smithsonian in 1951.

Related Materials

The National Anthropological Archives holds related material in the Department of Anthropology Records and the Betty J. Meggers and Clifford Evans papers.