Interview of Waldo R. Wedel conducted by Larry D. Banks and Douglas Givens on June 17, 1996 in Boulder, Colorado. The interview was conducted at Wedel's nursing home, a couple of months before he died.This interview is part of a series of oral histories of archaeologists recorded by Givens. Topics include Wedel's youth, career, fieldwork, colleagues, the Smithsonian Institution, and the River Basin Surveys.
Biographical / Historical:
Waldo R. Wedel was an archaeologist, best known for his contributions to Plains archaeology. He worked at the Smithsonian Institution from 1936 to 1977. He began his career at the Smithsonian as an assistant curator under Neil M. Judd in the Division of Archeology in the United States National Museum. He later became curator of archeology in 1950, and in 1962, he became head curator of the Department of Anthropology. In 1964-1965, he was acting head of the newly organized Smithsonian Office of Anthropology. Wedel also established and directed the Missouri Basin Project (1946-50) of the Bureau of American Ethnology's River Basin Surveys.
Local Numbers:
NAA MS 2011-29
General:
Date on box insert incorrectly listed as July 18, 1996.
Other Archival Materials:
See also Waldo R. Wedel and Mildred Mott Wedel Papers
DeLestry, Edmond L. (Edmond Louis), 1860-1933 Search this
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Date:
1897
Scope and Contents:
Three blueprints: 1. Survey map showing the extent and location of the mounds in Adamsʹ Grand River group, being the most northerly group in the entire field, with all mounds numbered to 84. 2. Showing the location of the two groups of mounds and the prehistoric fortification along the course of the Missouri River, in twp. 124, N, range 79 west, Walworth County, South Dakota.
Map of the prehistoric fortification, made from the highest (?) point of the interior plateau, showing the gateways and springs as well as other peculiar features of this work. Also prints (poor) showing views of mounds, and one of pottery fragments and implements. Letter of transmittal dated September 11, 1897, and letter from Dr. Thomas asking that the material be filed for future reference.
Local Numbers:
NAA MS 1304
Topic:
Walworth County -- South Dakota -- Archeology Search this
Citation:
Manuscript 1304, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution
