The American Geographical Society Library owns and cares for a number of important archival and manuscript collections in the field of Geography. To discover all archival collections held at the AGSL, please utilize the Archival Resources in Wisconsin: Descriptive Finding Aids database. The finding aids will show descriptions for each collection and its contents, including if any material is digitized. To learn more about a collection, please email agsl@uwm.edu.
Now called the American Association of Geographers, the AGSL holds AAG archival materials from 1904-2010. To search the records please consult the AAG finding aid. For materials after 2010 please contact the Library of Congress.
The American Geographical Society of New York Archives consists of approximately 350 cubic feet of materials including meeting minutes, financial records, publications, maps, photographs, correspondence, drawings and artifacts, as well as records on expeditions, explorers, and other geographic organizations and activities relating to all of the great names in American exploration and the larger field of geography from the mid-19th century through most of the 20th. The archives were processed through an Andrew Mellon Foundation grant awarded through the Council on Library and Information Resources. The archives were transferred to the AGSL under terms of a deposit agreement from New York City to Milwaukee in 2011.
Link to the finding aid: https://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?c=wiarchives;cc=wiarchives;view=text;rgn=main;didno=uw-agsl-agsnyac0001
Below is a list of archival and manuscript papers held at the AGSL. All the AGSL’s finding aids are at the Archival Resources in Wisconsin: Descriptive Finding Aids. The finding aids have further descriptions about the collections and their contents, including links to some digitized materials.
AGS of New York & AGSL Archival Collections
Call Number: AGSNY Archival Collection 1
Link to finding aid: https://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?c=wiarchives;view=reslist;subview=standard;didno=uw-agsl-agsnyac0001
Creator: American Geographical Society of New York.
Quantity: 350.5 cubic ft. (445 boxes; including 363 safety film negatives, 271 nitrate negatives, 157 lantern slides, 45 glass negatives, 3 film reels, 1 audio reel, and 1 audio cassette), 114 oversize folders, 80 rolls, 72 oversize volumes, 60 digital text files (2.13 MB)
Abstract: Records of the American Geographical Society of New York, the only organization focused on bringing together academics, business people, those who influence public policy (including leaders in local, state and federal government, not-for-profit organizations and the media), and the general public for the express purpose for furthering the understanding of the role of geography in our lives. Founded in 1851, it is the oldest geographical organization in the U.S. The collection includes meeting minutes, financial records, publications, maps, correspondence, and records on expeditions, explorers, and other geographic organizations and activities.
Call Number: AGSL Archival Collection 1
Link to finding aid: https://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?location=wimiags;c=wiarchives;cc=wiarchives;q1=AGSL%20Archival%20Collection;rgn=main;view=text;didno=uw-agsl-agslac0001
Creator: American Geographical Society. Map Department
Quantity: 4 cubic ft. (8 boxes)
Abstract: Records of the Map Department of the American Geographical Society (AGS) of New York, including annual reports, correspondence, and general files. The majority of the records date from 1914 to 1978, when the maps and library of the AGS were transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Call Number: AGSL Archival Collection 2
Link to finding aid: https://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?location=wimiags;c=wiarchives;cc=wiarchives;q1=AGSL%20Archival%20Collection;rgn=main;view=text;didno=uw-agsl-agslac0002
Creator: American Geographical Society. Library
Quantity: 11 cubic ft. (13 boxes)
Abstract: Records of the library of the American Geographical Society (AGS) of New York. The collection includes annual reports, correspondence, inquiries, and general files. The majority of the records date from 1908 to 1978, when the maps and library of the AGS were transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
AGSL Manuscript Collections
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 1
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0001
Creator: Warner, Herbert L., 1900-
Quantity: .5 cubic ft. (1 box)
Abstract: The collection consists of a single scrapbook documenting Herbert L. Warner’s work on the construction of the Alaskan-Canadian (ALCAN) Highway from 1943 to 1945. Included are photographs, newspaper articles, and miscellaneous personal documents.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 2
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0002
Creator: Grinnell, Henry, 1799-1874
Quantity: 2.3 cubic ft. (5 boxes)
Abstract: This collection contains scrapbooks compiled by Henry Grinnell, made up almost entirely of newspaper clippings from New York and London papers. Also included are a few letters and pages from other publications. The scrapbooks mainly document the expedition of Sir John Franklin, the rescue missions to find him, and the Arctic region in general. Grinnell financed two rescue missions to find Franklin as well as other scientific missions to the Arctic region.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 3
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0003
Creator: May, Jacques M. (Jacques Meyer), b. 1896
Quantity: 2.5 cubic ft. (6 boxes)
Abstract: This collection contains professional and personal papers of Jacques M. May when he was the director of the Medical Geography Department at the American Geographical Society. The collection includes research for the Atlas of Disease, which was a series of maps, or plates, published by the American Geographical Society during the 1950s. Medical statistics, preliminary maps, epidemiology of diseases, bibliographies, and academic studies of diseases are included as research for the Atlas of Disease. The Atlas of Disease was originally to contain 25 plates; only 17 were published. Each plate corresponds to a specific disease, or group of diseases. Other professional activities of Jacques M. May are documented in the collection, along with a small amount of personal correspondence and family photographs.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 4
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0004
Creator: Bowman, Isaiah, 1878-1950
Quantity: 5 volumes
Abstract: Isaiah Bowman’s Scrapbooks on Political Geography consist primarily of newspaper and magazine clippings related to political geography and international relations, collected in connection with subjects covered in his book The New World: Problems in Political Geography.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 5 (stored in compact shelving)
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0005
Creator: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Quantity: 110 cubic ft. (110 boxes)
Abstract: The National Wetlands Inventory records, dating from February 1971 to November 1997, consist of primarily Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and selected records from Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Texas, as well as a few Midwestern military base locations. Most folders consist of an aerial photo transparency from National High Altitude Photography (NHAP) and the National Aerial Photography Program (NAPP) and the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) original delineations taped over each photo drawn on Mylar. Included in most folders is a USGS 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle. In some cases, there are notes related to the creation of the NWI map on separate paper. In other cases, the notes are made on the topographic quadrangles themselves.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 6
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0006
Creator: Place, Frank, 1880-1959
Quantity: 17 volumes
Abstract: This scrapbook collection contains trail clippings, collected by Frank Place, related to walking. The clippings are primary from newspapers, magazines, and books from the New York and New Jersey area.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 7
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0007
Creator: Melville, George W. (George Wallace), 1841-1912
Quantity: 1.4 cubic ft. (3 boxes)
Abstract: This collection includes four scrapbooks from the library of George W. Melville. Three scrapbooks focus on Arctic exploration, including one on the Jeannette Expedition, and another on the “Drift Casks Project” for determining Arctic currents. A fourth scrapbook contains Melville’s personal correspondence.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 8
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0008
Creator: Bryant, Henry G. (Henry Grier), 1859-1932
Quantity: 1 volume
Abstract: This scrapbook, compiled by Henry G. Byrant, primarily documents Bryant’s involvement in the Eighth International Geographic Congress and the Geographical Society of Philadelphia.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 9
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0009
Creator: Marble, Delia West
Quantity: .4 cubic ft. (1 box)
Abstract: This collection consists of two scrapbooks, compiled by Delia West Marble. One scrapbook relates to Arctic exploration from 1874 to 1884; the other to exploration in Africa from 1889 to 1890.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 10
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0010
Creator: Field, William O. (William Osgood), 1904-1994
Quantity: 3.9 cubic ft. (9 boxes); 1 oversize folder; 47 film reels
Abstract: Papers, mostly dating from the late 1920s and early 1930s, of William Osgood Field, a photographer/filmmaker who explored the remote Transcaucasia region of the Soviet Union.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 11
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0011
Quantity: .2 cubic ft. (1 box)
Abstract: This collection consists of three scrapbooks containing clippings from Geopress, a cartographic news agency. The scrapbooks include maps and information about various geographic areas, particularly those associated with World War II.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 12
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0012
Creator: Harlos, Flora
Quantity: .4 cubic ft. (1 box)
Abstract: This collection, mainly consisting of a scrapbook compiled by Flora Harlos, documents the travels of Flora and her sister Adela, mostly though the southern and eastern United States from 1937 to 1939. Several additional items from a trip to Yellowstone in 1909 are also included.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 13
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0013
Quantity: .4 cubic ft. (1 box)
Abstract: This collection consists of two scrapbooks documenting exploration in 1873, with a primary focus on the Polaris Expedition to the North Pole led by Charles Francis Hall.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 14
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0014
Creator: Adams, Cyrus C. (Cyrus Cornelius), 1849-1928
Quantity: .8 cubic ft. (2 boxes)
Abstract: These scrapbooks contain newspaper clippings documenting worldwide travel, exploration, trade, and peoples. Cyrus C. Adams appears to have authored many of the articles and compiled these scrapbooks.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 15
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0015
Quantity: 2.1 cubic ft. (5 boxes)
Abstract: These scrapbooks largely consist of newspaper clippings relating to international geography and world exploration. Various expeditions, particularly to the Arctic and Africa, are covered most extensively.
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 16
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0016
Creator: Mills, Edmund, 1864-1920
Quantity: .5 cubic ft. (1 box); 2 volumes
Abstract: This collection contains four scrapbooks compiled by Edmund Mills. The scrapbooks largely focus on Arctic expeditions and explorers, and consist of newspaper and magazine clippings, illustrations, pamphlets, and book excerpts.
Creator: Forman, Harrison, 1904-1978
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0017
Quantity: 8.7 cubic ft. (16 boxes, including 19 audio reels and 2 audio cassettes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 17
Abstract: Papers of Harrison Forman, a photographer, journalist, author, aviator, lecturer, and explorer, mostly dating from the 1930s-1970s. The collection contains clippings and drafts of his articles, photographs, scrapbooks, ephemera, and correspondence.
Creator: Hayes, Isaac Israel, 1832-1881
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0018
Quantity: 0.5 cubic ft. (1 box)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 18
Abstract: Drawings, sketches, and paintings of Arctic scenes from expeditions by Isaac Israel Hayes in 1860-1861 and 1869.
Creator: Appleton, Nathan, 1843-1906
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0019
Quantity: 0.8 cubic ft. (2 boxes); 1 oversize folder
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 19
Abstract: Papers of Nathan Appleton which includes correspondence, publications, newspaper clippings, and photographs of his efforts in the planning of the Panama Canal. The collection also includes souvenirs such as photographs and letters from his long relationship with the French Count, Ferdinand de Lesseps.
Creator: Washburn, Albert Lincoln, 1911-2007
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0020
Quantity: 11.2 cubic ft. (40 boxes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 20
Abstract: Papers of Albert Lincoln Washburn, a geologist and educator who specialized in geomorphology, glacial geology, permafrost, and periglacial processes. Along with some of his notes and research, the collection largely consists of photographic materials such as slides, negatives, and prints relating to his work, particularly in Canada, Alaska, and Greenland.
Creator: Fecht, Arthur J., 1891-1945
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0021
Quantity: 2.5 cubic ft. (11 boxes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 21
Abstract: The photographs and scrapbooks of Arthur J. Fecht, a petroleum geophysicist, who traveled around the world and documented his trips with photographs and scrapbooks.
Creator: American Geographical Society-New York
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0022
Quantity: 1.5 cubic ft. (5 boxes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 22
Abstract: Slides and filmstrips from a educational program presented by the American Geographical Society (AGS). The Herbert E. Budek Company, Inc. produced filmstrips from the slides that were then used for instructional purposes, usually at the high school level. The slides are on a range of cities, countries, and other geographical topics.
Creator: Association of American Geographers
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0023
Quantity: 151 cubic ft. (364 boxes; including 3 audio reels, 4 CD-ROMs, and 1 DVD)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 23
Abstract: This collection contains the records of the Association of American Geographers (AAG), an educational and scientific society whose purpose is to advance the field of geography. The records provide details of programs, meetings, selection and election of officials, and relationships with other organizations. Includes correspondence, minutes, photographs, publications, and reports.
Creator: Monk, Janice J.
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0024
Quantity: 2 cubic ft. (6 boxes; including 105 audio cassettes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 24
Abstract: Collection contains oral history interviews conducted by Janice Monk from the late 1980s to the early 2000s with female geographers on their experiences in the profession.
Creator: Comeaux, Malcolm L.
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0025
Quantity: 1.2 cubic ft. (3 boxes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 25
Abstract: Collection of articles and manuscripts describing the history of geography departments at different universities in the U.S. and Canada.
Creator: Edwards, Clinton R., 1926-2009
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0026
Quantity: 4.8 cubic ft. (7 boxes; including 5 audio cassettes, 198 slides, and 861 safety film negatives)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 26
Abstract: Papers of Clinton Edwards, a geographer who specialized in different types of primitive watercraft and the role they played in geographical discovery, particularly in Latin America. Collection contains correspondence, notes, research materials, writings, and reprints of early manuscripts.
Creator: Thornthwaite, Charles Warren, 1899-1963
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0027
Quantity: 6.5 cubic ft. (23 boxes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 27
Abstract: Papers of Charles Warren Thornthwaite, a geographer and climatologist. Thornthwaite worked as a professor at various universities and also established the Laboratory of Climatology and C.W. Thornthwaite Associates, as independent research and consulting institutions. Collection contains correspondence, reports, reprints, and writings.
Creator: Hartshorne, Richard, 1899-1992
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0028
Quantity: 3.2 cubic ft. (8 boxes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 28
Abstract: The papers of Richard Hartshorne, a geographer who specialized in political and economic geography, as well as the philosophy of geography. He taught at the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The collection contains correspondence, writings, articles, notes, and photographs.
Creator: Innis, Donald Q., 1924-1988
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0029
Quantity: 3.5 cubic ft. (5 boxes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 29
Abstract: The papers of Donald Q. Innis, a Canadian geographer who specialized in agricultural geography, particularly intercropping. The collection contains correspondence, research, notes, writings, reprints, and teaching materials.
Creator: Mather, John R., 1923-2003
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0030
Quantity: 3 cubic ft. (5 boxes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 30
Abstract: Papers of John R. Mather, a geographer and climatologist. Mather worked with Charles Warren Thornthwaite and his research company, C.W. Thornthwaite Associates, and was also the head of the geography department at the University of Delaware. Collection contains correspondence, teaching materials, and various writings.
Creator: Visher, Stephen Sargent, 1887-1967
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0031
Quantity: 3.2 cubic ft. (4 boxes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 31
Abstract: The papers of Stephen Sargent Visher, a geographer and climatologist who taught at the University of Indiana. The collection primarily contains correspondence, but includes manuscripts and teaching materials as well.
Creator: Zelinsky, Wilbur, 1921-2013
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0032
Quantity: 22 cubic ft. (30 boxes; including 13,683 slides); 13 oversize folders
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 32
Abstract: Papers of Wilbur Zelinsky, a geographer who specialized in culture and population. He taught for many years at The Pennsylvania State University. The collection contains primarily correspondence of both a personal and professional nature, reflecting Zelinsky’s work in various areas of geography. Also contains maps, research data, writings, and Zelinsky’s extensive slide collection.
Creator: Griffin, Samuel P., 1826-1887
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0033
Quantity: 0.6 cubic ft. (1 box)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 33
Abstract: Two rough logbooks from the USS Rescue during its 1850-1851 search for the British explorer, Sir John Franklin.
Creator: Stout, Francis A., 1833-1892
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0034
Quantity: 3.5 cubic ft. (5 boxes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 34
Abstract: Scrapbooks of Francis Stout, a wealthy New Yorker and philanthropist, who was involved in numerous organizations and causes. The scrapbooks pertain to the various aspects of creating the Nicaragua Canal.
Creator: Merrill, William E., 1837-1891
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0035
Quantity: 3.5 cubic ft. (6 boxes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 35
Abstract: Papers of William E. Merrill, a West Point graduate and Civil War veteran. During the war, he served as an engineer at various levels in the Union Army. The collection contains correspondence of family history, signed copies of books, memorial pamphlets, photos, maps, and family history.
Creator: Alley, John, 1932-2014
Link to finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-agsl-agslmss0037
Quantity: 7 cubic ft. (20 boxes)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 37
Abstract: Papers and photographs of John W. Alley, a UW-Milwaukee photographer and instructor. He was a photojournalist in the U.S. and abroad, and also served as chief photographer at the University of Michigan and for the government of American Samoa. The collection is primarily focused on his photographic works, including slides and negatives.
Creator: McIntyre, Loren, 1917-2003
Link to finding aid: forthcoming
Quantity: 1022 digital files (7.48 GB)
9 cubic ft (25 boxes, 7 films)
Call Number: AGSL Manuscript Collection 38
Abstract: Loren McIntyre, born March 24, 1917 in Seattle, Washington, was a US author and photographer who took his first pictures of South America in 1935. His name appeared on maps and in the GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS (for his discovery of the ultimate source of the Amazon River) as well as hundreds of books and magazines that carry pictures or text concerning South America. He wrote and illustrated several books on South American themes. When former President Galo Plaza headed the Organization of American States, he congratulated Loren for his 1968 article on Ecuador in National Geographic, declaring that it had contributed to a recent four-fold increase in international tourism. McIntyre produced films in many countries and was been decorated three times by South American governments. He died on May 11, 2003 in Arlington, Virginia.