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:
4 Items
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1841, 1999, undated
Scope and Contents note:
The series includes three dimensional materials relating to European and American exploration and travel in Africa. Some items relate to well-known figures like David Livingstone (1813-1873) or are artifacts likely collected during safari.
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.
Hollis and Sons. Ten-bore half stocked percussion shot and ball gun, made for the African trade, with the stock extended and native repairs with shrunken leather, and native brass wire
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (Artifacts (object genre), 50 in. (length))
Container:
Item A001
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1860
Scope and Contents note:
This gun returned to England with the body of David Livingstone alongside other possessions as used by him during his last journey of exploration in Africa. After the death of David Livingstone his native attendants, led by Chuma and Susi, preserved the body by drying it in salt before attempting to carry it to Mozambique. On the way to the coast they met Lieutenant V.L. Cameron who relieved them of Livingstone's geographical instruments but not all his possessions. Cameron in his book Across Africa mentions this on page 123. This gun was originally accompanied by a letter, of which a photograph survives, signed by a Mr. W. Carswell which read, "53 Charing Cross, London, May 1910. I certify that this native repaired long gun of Hollis and Son[s]) was brought back with the personal effects and body of David Livingstone the great explorer and missionary, after his tragic death at Chitambo to the S.E. of Lake Bangwelo on the 1st May 1873 by his faithful bearers Joseph Wainwright, Susi and Chumah, and was given to me by the family as a token of affection. William Carswell."
General note:
A001 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 (Artifacts (object genre), 23.25 in. (length), 1.25 in. (diameter))
Container:
Item A003
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
undated
General note:
A003 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 (Artifacts (object genre), 24 in. (length))
Container:
Item A004
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1956
General note:
A004 is the accession number in the Russell E. Train inventory list of the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History. Includes handwritten note from Cullman Library curator: "Philip Crow bound copy, '56 poachers native, mimeographed journal/diary, Athi River, Kenya, Southwest Nairobi, 150-200 mi. , (?) Wakamba tribe in area. " Possibly refers to an entry in the mimeographed copy of Russell E. Train's diary from his 1956 safari to Kenya that was distributed to friends (RET001).
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 (9 x 9 cm, in box 26 x 9 x 11 cm)
Container:
Item Ph049
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1900
Scope and Contents note:
Commercially-produced set of forty numbered glass lantern slides highlighting scenes from David Livingstone's life and travels, chiefly focusing on his adventures in Africa as a missionary.
General note:
Title and publication information taken from the description of what appears to be a set of the same slides on the National Portrait Gallery (Great Britain) website.
Originally assigned accession number A013.
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 (14.5 x 9.5in.)
Container:
Item Po005
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1858 February 24
Scope and Contents note:
Printed broadside issued by Glasgow College announcing an address by Livingstone to be presented at the College on 25 February 1858. Poster advertising that Dr. Livingstone will "address the Students of the University To-Morrow ... In order that proper accommodation may be secured to the Students, and their places may not be occupied by persons obtaining admission on false pretences ... any Student ... will receive a Ticket of Admission at the Library in exchange for his Library Ticket for the current Session ..."
General note:
Originally assigned accession number A014.
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.
Corn Exchange, Stratford-on-Avon, Wednesday, November 25, doors open at half-past seven, to commence at eight ... New and magnificent panorama of Africa : in which will be represented, with life-like accuracy, the most enchanting tropical scenery, inte...
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (51 x 26 cm)
Container:
Item Po006
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1874
Scope and Contents note:
Broadside announcing a lecture on British exploration and travel in Africa, highlighting the story of the late missionary David Livingstone. The lecture was accompanied by a panoramic display of "beautiful moving canvas paintings" creating "a striking dioramic effect."
General note:
"On this occasion, the lecture will be delivered by Mr. Henry Fisher, formerly schoolmaster and interpreter in Her Majesty's Service, who has for a long period resided in South Africa, is conversant with the various languages, and accompanied Dr. Livingstone on his first journey from Kuruman."
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:
41 Items
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1829-1937, 1996, undated
Scope and Contents note:
The series contains artwork in a variety of formats such as cartoons, oil paintings, watercolors, engravings, and prints. These depict aspects of life, travel, and nature in Africa. Most works of art were created 1829 – 1937. Subject matter includes African wildlife, big-game hunts, historical events, safaris, local tribes, and portraits of notable European and American figures in the history of Africa like David Livingstone (1813-1873). There are several works by Abel Chapman (1851-1929) and A. Radclyffe Dugmore (1870-1955).
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 Volumes (Drawings (visual works); Works of art, 10 x 15 x 1.25 in. (bound journal), 7.25 x 10.75 in. (artwork))
Container:
Item Art021
Type:
Archival materials
Volumes
Date:
1913-1919
General note:
Each drawing has been labeled and dated by Chapman, often with instructions. Contained in two quarto-sized albums, dark blue half morocco, red gilt labels on spines.
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 (Drawings (visual works); Works of art, 9.75 x 10 in.)
Container:
Item Art021a
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1907 June 14
General note:
Signed: A. C. "Eland bull, Molo River, Sept. 8, 1904" also handwritten at the bottom of the drawing.
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 (Drawings (visual works); Works of art, 10 X 6.75 in.)
Container:
Item Art021b
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1907 February 8
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:
4 Items (Drawings (visual works); Works of art, 18 cm.)
Container:
Item Art022
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1913-1919
Scope and Contents note:
Pencil sketches of wildlife and local scenery created by Abel Chapman during his travels in Sudan in 1913, 1914, and 1919. In some cases the sketches include captions describing the place and date when the subject was seen, as well as brief notes on colors, posture and other characteristic features. Various types of birds are featured (for instance: eagles; geese; ducks; cormorants; pelicans, rollers, flycatchers, ostriches, and vultures), as well as some mammals (such as baboons, elephants, warthogs, hippopotamus, leopards, and giraffes), and a few insects and fish. There are a few sketches featuring Shilluk or Nuer people and their cultural objects.
General note:
Each sketchbook has a handwritten label on its front cover: [1]. Sudan ii (dated Feb. 10, 1913 inside front cover); [2]. Sudan 1913-4, vol. i ("begin Nov. 20, 1913, finish Jan. 29, 1914" inscribed inside front cover); [3]. Sudan, 1913-4, vol. ii (dated Feb. 2, 1914 inside front cover); and [4]. Sudan, 1919 (dated Febr[uar]y 1919 inside front cover).
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.
Dugmore, A. Radclyffe (Arthur Radclyffe), 1870-1955, artist. Drawing, "Her trunk was directly over my head and her mighty ears flapping gently fanning me & I needed fanning for the sweat of fear was thickly down my neck"
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (Drawings (visual works); Works of art, 8.25 x 11 in.)
Container:
Item Art025
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1870 - 1955
Scope and Contents note:
Depicts the artist Dugmore lying on the ground in front of his camera, with an elephant towering above him, with two smaller elephants visible in the background. This illustration was reproduced in an article on elephant hunting and depicts an incident that was one of the author's favorite stories during his lectures.
General note:
Grisaille drawing on paper. Signed by the artist in the bottom left hand corner and inscribed on the back.
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 (Works of art, 24.25 x 15.5 in. (art), 34.5 x 26 in. (frame))
Container:
Item Art026
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1900
Scope and Contents note:
Depicts a sable antelope being attacked by two cheetahs, one of which has already caught the startled antelope and is going for its throat. A small "kopje" is featured in the middle ground with the "veldt" rolling away towards other hills in the background.
General note:
Original watercolor. The work is signed by the artist in the bottom right hand corner.
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 (Etchings (prints); Works of art, 13 x 11.25 in.)
Container:
Item Art027
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1889
Scope and Contents note:
A. Shows the white hunter firing head on at a charging elephant with a second elephant retreating in the back ground, and the hunter's young bearer taking evasive action in the bottom right. B. Depicts the same hunter firing at an advancing rhinoceros with two fallen animals in the fore ground and a tribe of natives to the rear.
General note:
Both etchings are mounted on white board and signed by the artist in pencil.
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 (Watercolors (paintings); Works of art, 9 x 10.75 in. (art), 16.75 x 19 in. (frame))
Container:
Item Art028
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1844 - 1907
Scope and Contents note:
Depicts a fully maned lion rearing indignantly as an ape, in formal dress, steps on the lion's tail, and tips his top hat.
General note:
Signed by Griset in lower left corner.
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.
Griset, Ernest Henry, 1844-1907, artist. Five original humorous watercolor drawings, depicting the progress of Stanley through Africa to the Albert Nyanza
Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
5 Items (Watercolors (paintings); Works of art, 8.5 x 7 in.)
Container:
Item Art029
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1890
Scope and Contents note:
The watercolors are captioned: "Entering the dark forest 160 days march"; "Crossing the gloomy forest"; "Reception by a friendly tribe", "Attacked by hostile tribes" and "Arrival at the Albert Nyanza".
General note:
Executed in the artist's inimitable satirical and lively style. Each drawing is on a separate gilt-edged card and is signed by the artist.
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 (Oil paintings (visual works); Works of art, 15.5 x 11.5 in. (art), 21.75 x 17.75 in. (frame))
Container:
Item Art030
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1914
Scope and Contents note:
Depicts a dramatic scene at the top of the Victoria Falls with a male kudu, flanked by two females and a fawn, about to accept the challenge of a second male, in the middle ground, who is turning and commencing his charge head down.
General note:
Oil on board. Signed by the artist with monogram.
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 (Drawings (visual works); Works of art, 9 x 11.5 in. (art), 16.5 x 20 in. (frame))
Container:
Item Art031
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1858 - 1927
Scope and Contents note:
Two Masai warriors in full battle regalia in foreground. Reproduced (much reduced) in Johnston's The Kilimanjaro Expedition at page 305 and entitled "Masai camp."
General note:
Artist's monogram at bottom right corner.
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.
