Thomas Indian School Photographs of Activities and Facilities

Arranged by general subject.

The series consists of black and white photographs depicting children and staff of the school at work and recreation, as well as the structures of the school and its physical environment and surroundings. The exact purpose for which the photographs were taken is not known, but they document the conditions of facilities and the work and educational environment of the school, and may have supported a request for funds for capital improvements or expansion. Occasional cropping directions indicate some may have been used in publications.

The subjects of the photographs include: individual and group portraits of children and staff (many at graduation, school exercises, fair exhibits, or as part of class or team sport groups); children's class exercises and work activities (especially farming and gardening); Indian Boy and Girl Scouts (including Frank Beauvais and Clarence Blueye, first Indian Eagle Scouts in the U.S.); interior views of buildings; exterior views of administration, residence, school, hospital, and farm buildings and grounds; buildings under construction; and aerial views of grounds.

Most photographs are undated and unlabeled; when not stated, subjects have been assigned by Archives staff. Sizes range from 3" x 4" to 8" x 10" and some are mounted.

Microform is available at the New York State Archives through interlibrary loan.

Scanned images of selected photographs are available at the New York State Archives.

Item list is available.

Originally accessioned from the New York State Library as old collection #245, accession number -375.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.