New York State Museum Division of Research and Collections State Archeologist's Office Correspondence Files

This series contains the correspondence and memoranda of the State Archeologist. The files of the following individuals are included: Arthur C. Parker, 1906-1924 (assistant in archeology, 1904-1906); Noah Clarke, 1925-1949 (State Archeologist after 1933); William A. Ritchie, 1949-1971; and Robert E. Funk, 1972-1979. Also included in this series is Robert E. Funk's correspondence 1960-1971 prior to his appointment as State Archeologist. Most of the correspondence is with other archeologists or ethnologists, artifact dealers or collectors, members of New York Indian tribes, amateur archeologists, and other private citizens.

Included in the files are: discussion with professional archeologists and ethnologists of artifacts, archeological sites, and other observations; donation or sale by dealers or collectors to the State Museum of privately owned artifacts; exchange of scientific papers and reports; design and construction of the Iroquois life groups in the State Museum (ca. 1908-1912); acquisition of contemporary Iroquois artifacts; planning, staffing and conducting field work in archeology; provision of information to citizens and amateur archeologists about Indian artifacts or culture; scheduling of public talks by the archeologist/state archeologist; memoranda between the archeologist/State Archeologist and the State Museum Director concerning acquisition of archeological or ethnological artifacts; archeological field work, the Iroquois life groups in the State Museum and administrative topics; lists of artifacts owned by the State Museum; financial accounts of the archeologist/State Archeologist; planning documents for the reorganization of the State Museum in 1945; annual reports of the archeologist/State Archeologist, 1925-1948; and requests for State Museum publications on archeological subjects. Included in this series is correspondence of the state archeologist's assistant, 1960-1971, which generally relates to similar topics.

Restricted to protect sensitive archeological site data; pursuant to Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law Sect. 14.07.1(d) and 9 NYCRR Sect. 427.8.