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National Anthropological Archives
Guide to the Robert B. Cumming papers, circa 1939 - circa 1950
Summary
- Collection ID:
- NAA.XXXX.0309
- Creators:
-
Cumming, Robert B., 1915-2005
- Dates:
-
circa 1939 - circa 1950
- Languages:
-
English.
- Physical Description:
-
1.5 Linear feet
- Repository:
Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of a miscellany of Cumming's and other archaeologists' materials relating to River Basin Surveys (RBS) work. Materials include diaries (1939-1950), site photographs, site forms, site maps, specimen forms, manuscripts, and card files. Some are duplicates of files in the RBS records.
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 As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today.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
Biographical Note
Robert B. Cumming studied at Wesleyan University (A.B., 1938) and pursued graduate studies in anthropology under William Duncan Strong at Columbia University. In 1940, he became the supervisor of the archaeology laboratory at the Nebraska State Historical Society, and in 1941-1942, he was a supervisor with the Nebraska Work Projects Administration archaeology. Following several nonarchaeological jobs, he became the laboratory supervisor of the River Basin Surveys Missouri Basin Project in Lincoln, Nebraska, 1946-1950. In 1950-1954, he was a Missouri Basin Project field archaeologist.
Administration
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Cumming gave these materials to Waldo R. Wedel, who in turn placed them in the archives.
Processing Information
The collection is unprocessed. Contact the repository for more information.
Separated Materials
Two motion picture films that came with Cumming's papers, one concerning the Hidatsa Indians and the other showing River Basin Surveys work, are at the Human Studies Film Archives.
Using the Collection
Conditions Governing Access
Access to the Robert B. Cumming papers requires an appointment.
Preferred Citation
Robert B. Cumming papers, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution
Conditions Governing Use
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Related Materials
Related Materials
The National Anthropological Archives holds additional materials related to the the River Basin Surveys in the the River Basin Surveys records, Donald Jayne Lehmer papers, Paul Lemen Cooper papers, Frank Harold Hanna Roberts, Jr. papers and photographs, Waldo Rudolph Wedel and Mildred Mott Wedel papers and Photo Lot 87-3.
Keywords
| Keyword Terms | Keyword Types | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Archaeology | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| North America | Geographic | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
| River Basin Surveys | Corporate Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
National Anthropological Archives
Museum Support Center
4210 Silver Hill Road
Suitland, Maryland 20746
naa@si.edu
