Guide to the John Wallace Griffin papers, 1937-1992

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of John W. Griffin's class notes, field notes, correspondence, professional papers, and manuscripts. The collection covers his class and field notes from his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida through his Master's degree at the University of Chicago. The correspondence ranges from the late 1930's to his death in 1993 and covers academic, personal, and professional subject matter. The collection contains manuscripts from his undergraduate work through 1983. The manuscripts range from rough drafts to the final published copy and are predominantly about Florida Archeology. The collection includes papers, meeting agendas and attendance records, master plans, and notes from the Southeastern Frontiers Inc. Project.

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 As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today.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

John Wallace Griffin was born in Indiana in 1919. He grew up in Daytona, Florida. He obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and a Master's degree from the University of Chicago. In 1946 he was the first archaeologist employed by the state of Florida. He worked as an assistant professor at the University of Florida until being appointed regional archaeologist for the National Park Service in 1958. He served as regional archaeologist till 1971. He was also the director of the St. Augustine Historical Society from 1958-1971. In 1977 he formed his own archaeological and historical consulting firm. He is best known for his work with historian Mark Boyd in studying the remains of a Spanish mission at San Luis. He died in 1993 at the age of 73.