Manuscript and printed textual material, photographic prints and negatives, slides, audio tapes, film, original and reproduction artwork, maps, scrapbooks, and historical and natural artifacts related to the history of African exploration and natural history, dating primarily from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Includes correspondence, drafts of publications, diaries, account books, ephemera, posters, newsclippings, biographies, memoirs, portraits, and the former personal property of selected explorers, big game hunters, missionaries, pioneers, and naturalists in Africa.
Scope and Contents note:
Manuscript and printed textual material, photographic prints and negatives, slides, audio tapes, film, original and reproduction artwork, maps, scrapbooks, and historical and natural artifacts related to the history of African exploration and natural history, dating primarily from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Includes correspondence, drafts of publications, diaries, account books, ephemera, posters, newsclippings, biographies, memoirs, portraits, and the former personal property of selected explorers, big game hunters, missionaries, pioneers, and naturalists in Africa. The Train Collection is particularly strong in archival materials on the following topics: the search for the source of the Nile and the progress of other exploring expeditions in Africa; the collecting of specimens of African animals, plants, and ethnological materials for zoos and museums (including a significant body of correspondence and photographs from the Smithsonian African Expedition in 1909-1910, led by President Theodore Roosevelt); and the growth of the African wildlife conservation movement. Besides Roosevelt, the major persons represented in the Collection include the journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley and members of his Emin Pasha Relief Expedition (Thomas Heazle Parke, Robert H. Nelson, James S. Jameson, John Rose Troup, William Bonny, William G. Stairs, Edmund Barttelot, and Arthur J. M. Jephson); the medical missionary Dr. David Livingstone and his father-in-law Robert Moffat; taxidermist Carl Akeley; zoologist Edmund Heller; hunter Frederick Courtenay Selous; artist and adventure writer A. Radclyffe Dugmore; explorers Samuel White Baker, Thomas Baines, Richard Francis Burton and E.J. Glave; anthropologist Paul Belloni du Chaillu; and royal traveler Edward VIII (later Duke of Windsor). Consult the finding aid for more specific information on materials relating to these persons and other people and organizations represented in the Collection.
Arrangement note:
Organized into ten series, primarily based on format or creator: I. Artifacts, 1663-1999; II. Works of Art, 1663-1999; III. Books, 1900-1986; IV. Edmund Heller personal papers, 1875-1939; V. Manuscripts, 1663-1992; VI. Maps, 1878; VII. Newspapers, 1888-1987; VIII. Robert Henry Nelson personal papers, 1795-1912; VIII. Photographs, 1874-1963; IX. Posters and broadsides, 1814-1955; X. Russell E. Train personal papers, 1956-2004.
Separated Materials note:
In addition to these archival and non-book materials, the Smithsonian Institution Libraries acquired more than 1500 printed books as part of the Russell E. Train Collection; these books are listed individually in the SIRIS (Smithsonian Institution Research Information System) online catalog.
Provenance:
Originally assembled by the Honorable Russell E. Train, a former judge, top administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and a past president of the World Wildlife Fund, this collection was acquired by the Smithsonian Institution Libraries in 2004.
Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Topic:
Zoological specimens -- Collection and preservation -- Africa Search this
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Volume (Postage stamps, 4 x 5 x 0.25 in.)
Container:
Item NelA005
Type:
Archival materials
Volumes
Date:
1854 - 1855
Scope and Contents note:
Postage stamps from England, Java, Turkey, America, South Australia, Canada, Italy, New South Wales, France, French Republic, Belgium, Cape of Good Hope, Victoria, Deccan, and Sarawak.
General note:
From the Nelson archival collectionNelA005 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
5 Volumes (Manuscripts (document genre), 5 x 8 x 0.75 in. or smaller.)
Container:
Item NelA007
Type:
Archival materials
Volumes
Date:
1887 March 11 - 1889 November 7
Scope and Contents note:
Five notebooks documenting C and/or No. 3 Company's rosters. Information includes roll calls, caravan book, and roster of rations. Three black leather with latch or band (3.5 x 5 x 0.5in.), one black leather (5 x 7.75 x 0.25in.), and one red leather (5 x 8 x 0.75in.).
General note:
NelA007 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
49 Items (Visiting cards, 3 x 1.5 in.)
Container:
Item NelA010
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1880 - 1892
Scope and Contents note:
Four cards have handwritten notes, addresses, and lists on verso.
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. NelA010 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (Contracts; Manuscripts (document genre), 8.25 x 12.75 in.)
Container:
Item NelM001
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1887 January 11
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. NelM001 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
11 Items (Correspondence, 4.5 x 7 in. - 5 x 8 in.)
Container:
Item NelM002
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1884 January 4 - 1890 January 7
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. Eleven long autograph letters. NelM002 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
34 Pages (Manuscripts (document genre), 8.25 x 10.25 in. or smaller.)
Container:
Item NelM003
Type:
Archival materials
Pages
Date:
1887 - 1889
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. NelM003 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
2 Items (Correspondence, 8.25 x 13 in. or smaller.)
Container:
Item NelM006d2
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1891 May 11
Scope and Contents note:
The letter from Robert Henry Nelson to his father acknowledges a letter of reference written by Henry Morton Stanley for him to William Mackinnon, praising Nelson's efforts on the Emin Pasha Relief expedition; together with a copy of Stanley's letter of reference to Mackinnon dated 9 [May] 1891 written from York station hotel.
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. NelM006d. 2 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Nelson, Robert Henry, 1853-1892. Autograph letter signed to his father Henry Nelson, London, 12 April 1890, concerning various people he had met and referring to a complimentary letter from Henry Morton Stanley
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (Correspondence, 4.5 x 7.25 in.)
Container:
Item NelM012
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1890 April 12
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. With envelope. NelM012 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Nelson, Robert Henry, 1853-1892. Autograph letter signed, from Robert H. Nelson to his father, from the S.S. Ethiopia, 24 February 1892, en route to East Africa, together with a telegram stating that "He has a very good state-room"
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
2 Items (Correspondence, 5.25 x 8 in. (document), 5.25 x 3.25 in. (envelope))
Container:
Item NelM013
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1892 February 24
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. NelM013 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Nelson, Robert Henry, 1853-1892. Autograph letter signed to his father Henry Nelson, 28 March 1892, informing him of his safe arrival and thanking him for the £100 which he had received
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (Correspondence, 8 x 9.75 in.)
Container:
Item NelM014
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1892 March 28
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. NelM014 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (Correspondence, 8 x 9.5 in.)
Container:
Item NelM015
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1892 May 18
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. NelM015 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Nelson, Robert Henry, 1853-1892. Autograph letter signed to his father Henry Nelson, informing him that the Administrator General had agreed with his actions
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (Correspondence, 8 x 9.5 in.)
Container:
Item NelM016
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1892 June 1
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. NelM016 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Nelson, Robert Henry, 1853-1892. Autograph letter signed to his father Henry Nelson, 3 November 1892, wishing all a Merry Christmas, relating experiences with natives and referring to his proposed marriage
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (Correspondence, 8 x 9.5 in.)
Container:
Item NelM017
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1892 November 3
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. This appears to be Robert Henry Nelson's last letter before his death. NelM017 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
3 Items (Correspondence, 8 x 13 in.)
Container:
Item NelM020
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1892 January 4
General note:
Retained copy. Together with a copy of a letter to Sir William McKinnon and another to the Directors of the Company, with a note to the effect that a letter had been sent to Mr. W. Bruce. From the Nelson archival collection. NelM020 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (Correspondence, 8.25 x 10.25 in.)
Container:
Item NelUncat002
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1889 July 31
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. NelUncat002 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Nelson, Robert Henry, 1853-1892. Letter to Baua Ismaili, to be read by Captain Nelson to the boy Sheriff who will put it into Swahilli proper for [illegible] presence of Ismaili
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (Correspondence, 8 x 10 in.)
Container:
Item NelUncat003
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1880 - 1889
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. NelUncat003 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (Correspondence, 7.75 x 10 in.)
Container:
Item NelUncat010
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1890 May 12
Scope and Contents note:
Requesting permission to accept and wear the Insignia of the Third Class of the Medjidie.
General note:
From the Nelson archival collection. NelUncat010 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
