This collection, which dates from 1949-1970, contains approximately 2513 color 35mm slides depicting the people, environment and cultures of more than 30 African countries. Images include landscapes, agriculture and marketplace scenes. Countries represented include Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burundi, Rwanda, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire), Cote d'Ivoire and Zambia. Also included in this collection are 117 postcards from West and Central Africa and approximately 17 maps of and 10 guide books for East and West Africa. A small amount of miscellaneous ephemera rounds out the collection.
Arrangement note:
Slides are arranged alphabetically by country. Arrangement reflects the original order established by the donor.
Biographical/Historical note:
William Adams Hance (1916-2008) was a professor emeritus of economic geography at Columbia University. In the early 1950s, Hance was part of a team of academicians sent by the Carnegie Corporation to Africa, with the intention that they would return and contribute to the education of Americans about the African continent. He taught courses on Africa until his retirement. In 1956, Hance was a founding member of the African Studies Association and he went on to serve on its board as Executive Secretary and President. Hance's publications include six books on Africa, as well as numerous articles. In 1967 he was named Honorary Fellow of the American Geographical Society, and was honored by the Nigerian Society of Geographers for "distinguished contributions to the science of geography in Africa."
Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
