Archival Collections

Known Archival Collections from G.F. Kunz
  • American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY*
  • Columbia University, New York, NY
  • Duke University, Durham, NC
  • Huntington Library, Huntington, CA
  • Library of Congress, Washington, DC
  • New York Public Library, New York, NY
  • Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC (2 collections)
  • Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
  • University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
  • U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA
----------------------------------------
American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY*
Title:               George Frederick Kunz papers, 1879-1932.
Description:   35 boxes (19.25 linear feet)
Abstract:         Chiefly correspondence between Kunz and earth scientists, mineralogists, mineral dealers and collectors, museum and government officers, professors and students. Most of the letters deal with the acquisition, exhibition, exchange of or research on gemstones, pearls, ivory, new mineral specimens or meteorites; several hundred letters deal specifically with radioactive minerals, radium production and the effects of radiation on the color of gems. Also included are some related business documents, notes from Kunz's books, scientific papers and copies of his printed works. Original owner was Lawrence Conklin.
Call Number:            MSS .K861; 1987 accession. MSS .K862 includes a folio.

* NOTE: there is a second reference to the AMNH collection in the Library Catalog of the New York State Library that references 5.2 linear feet of materials. AMNH Library staff can assist researchers in finding everything they have from Dr. Kunz, including material from their Administrative Files collection.

Columbia University, New York, NY
Title:               George Frederick Kunz papers, 1886-1928.
Summary:      Letters to Kunz from various members of the faculty at Columbia University's School of Mines. Also, approximately 175 clippings pertaining to various aspects of mineralogy.
Quantity:       1 box.
OCLC Number:            506124374

Duke University, Durham, NC
Title:              Papers, 1885-1917 [manuscript].           
Author:          Kunz, George Frederick, 1856-1932.
Quantity:       43 items
Location:       Rubenstein Library

Huntington Library, Huntington, CA
Title:               Papers of George Frederick Kunz, 1837-1958.
Summary:      Collection consists chiefly of letters, with some documents, a few manuscript poems or speeches, four photographs, and ephemera related to the life and interests of George F. Kunz. Subject matter includes: routine business and professional affairs; international mines and mining and the world gem market; reflections on public health, international expositions, preservation of national parks and scenic sites; New York City's economy, civic affairs, and Republican politics.
Quantity:        3 boxes.  587 pieces.
Finding Aids: Unpublished preliminary inventory available in repository.
Call Number: Manuscripts, mssKunz papers


Library of CongressWashington, DC *
Title:                George Frederick Kunz papers, 1783-1928.
Summary:      Correspondence, notes, clippings, typescripts of articles, illuminated Russian land papers, and other material such as certificates, broadsides, and membership announcements relating to Kunz's career as a gemologist. Pertains primarily to his trip to Russia (1892-1893) and is chiefly concerned with mineralogy. Other items, including ca. 50 letters, concern an article Kunz wrote on the geography, tunnels, and bridges of the Hudson River.
Quantity:         750 items. 2 containers plus 1 oversize.
Call Number: MMC-2065 and Oversize 0112J

*NOTE: A March 2015 visit to the Library of Congress and review of the materials they hold found the collection in poor condition with much of what is held there either reprints of published material, newspaper clippings, and copies of awards and commendations. There is no finding aid for the material.

New York Public Library, New York, NY
Title:                George Frederick Kunz collection, 1912
Description:    1 linear foot (6 v.)
Abstract:         Collection consists of scrapbooks concerning the welcome for the North Atlantic Fleet of the United States Navy in October 1912, by a committee of citizens appointed by William J. Gaynor, mayor of New York City.
OCLC Number: 122626675

Smithsonian InstitutionWashington, DC
Title:               George Frederick Kunz Papers, circa 1880-1932 and undated.
Quantity:        0.3 linear meter.
Repository:    Smithsonian Institution Archives, Capital Gallery, Suite 3000,
MRC 507; 600 Maryland Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20024-2520
Local Number:             SIA RU1040101

Title:                Collection of reports, photographs, and other materials related to the Museums of the Peaceful Arts, 1912-1930.
Description:   10 v. ; 29-41 cm.
OCLC Number: 37333333
Location:        Special Collections (Dibner), Call Number: MSS 001736 B
Notes:            Vol. 1 contains founding documents and miscellaneous newpaper clippings; v. 2-5, supplements to the president's report; v. 6 and v. 9, photograph albums; v. 7, album of plans; v. 8, "What other museums are doing: a volume of miscellaneous information"; v. 10, "The Newark Museum, a study".
Abstract:         Typescript documents, records, photographs, blueprints, plans, newspaper clippings, and miscellaneous printed materials related to the establishment of the Museums of the Peaceful Arts. This collection of reports and scrapbooks documents the creation of the Museums of the Peaceful Arts and the institution's early years under its president, George F. Kunz.

Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, NY
Title:                            George F. Kunz Papers
Inclusive Dates:         1883-1932
Quantity:                     0.5 linear ft.
Abstract:                     American mineralogist, gemologist, Vice-President of Tiffany's,
member and officer of numerous scientific societies, and author of books and articles on gems. Collection contains correspondence, clippings and photographs.

Repository:               http://scrc.syr.edu

University of New Mexico, Center for Southwest Research, Albuquerque, NM           
Title:               George Frederick Kunz correspondence
Abstract:        This small collection contains letters written to Kunz by numerous gem brokers, mineralogists and agents concerning mineral transactions. Transactions include turquoise from Santa Fe, "ore" from Glorieta and "meteorites" from Albuquerque. One letter describes the discovery and offer of sale to Kunz of a mastadon near Taos. In another, Santa Fe turquoise dealer Jhos. Moore, Sr., invites Kunz to ask Maj. Powell, head of the U.S. Geological Survey, about his background.
Description:   1 folder.
OCLC Number: 46425753
More information: rmoa.unm.edu

U.S. Geological Survey Library, Reston, Virginia
Title:                     George Frederick Kunz Papers
Inclusive Dates:    1883 - 1962
Quantity:               Approximately 4 linear feet in 8 archive boxes, Unlabeled and
                             unnumbered

Abstract:               This collection contains correspondence, largely to the subject but also
                              photostat copies of responses. Also included are notes in the author's
                              hand on articles, presentations, books, etc. The largest collection is on
                              pearls but there are many subjects addressed including exhibitions the
                              subject planned for both Tiffany & Co. and for the U.S. Geological
                              Survey.
Access:                 Requests to consult the collection should be made in writing to the
                              Library Director in advance of any visit. Collections can be photographed
                              without flash  but cannot be photocopied without permission.

1 comment:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete