Overview
Lauriston Ward (1882-1960) was a journalist, businessman, and anthropologist. The Papers of Lauriston Ward chiefly document his studies of English writers and British history at Harvard from 1900 to 1903. The bulk of the collection consists of Ward's student notes, papers, and essays, and a small number of Harvard publications pertaining to student life at Harvard from 1901 to 1903. The collection also includes a small amount of biographical material and personal correspondence created after Ward's student career at Harvard from 1910 to 1955.
Dates
- Creation: 1900-1955 and undated
Researcher Access
The Papers of Lauriston Ward are open for research. Access to fragile original documents may be restricted. Please consult the Public Services staff for further details.
Copying Restriction
Copying of fragile materials may be limited.
Extent
0.5 cubic feet (1 half-document box, 1 flat box)The Papers of Lauriston Ward chiefly document his studies at Harvard from 1900 to 1903. Ward's student materials refer to his studies of English writers, British history, and the French language. They also contain a small number of Harvard publications pertaining to student life at Harvard from 1901 to 1903. In addition, Ward's correspondence includes a letter to his father while a student at Harvard in which Ward discusses the study of Matthew Arnold and fiction writing. Ward's biographical materials include a photograph of Ward while a student at Harvard (ca. 1903). The collection also contains a small amount of material created after Ward's student career at Harvard, including a brief biographical sketch of Ward (1955), his United States passport (1910), and personal correspondence with friends and acquaintances (1914, 1937).
Biographical Note
Lauriston Ward (1882-1960) was a journalist, businessman, and anthropologist. As a scholar, Ward studied the origins of the Neolithic Age in the Middle East and its spread to Northern Asia and the Far East. After graduating from Harvard College in 1903, Ward spent several years as a newspaper reporter, publicity writer, and free lance contributor to newspapers and magazines. In 1914, he abandoned journalism and joined the travel agency, Raymond and Whitcomb Company, serving as secretary, director, and personnel manager. Ward returned to the academic world in 1932 as a graduate student in Anthropology at Harvard; receiving his Master of Arts in 1934. Ward remained at Harvard as a Lecturer and Tutor in Anthropology until his retirement from teaching in 1948. At the Harvard Peabody Museum, Ward became Curator of Asiatic Archaeology in 1937 and chairman of the American School of Prehistory in 1954. In 1953, Ward helped establish the Council of Old World Archaeology, an organization dedicated to publishing surveys and bibliographies of current archaeology research.
Arrangement
The records are arranged in three series:
- Biographical materials, [ca. 1903]-1910, 1955
- Correspondence, 1900-1937
- Student materials, 1900-1903 and undated
Acquisition information
The Papers of Lauriston Ward were acquired through donation. The acquisition is as follows:
- Accession number: 18418; 2011 September 12
References
- Brew, John Otis, Derwood Warner Lockard, and Noel Morss. "Lauriston Ward." Harvard University Gazette (October 29, 1960) : 38-39.
Inventory update
This document last updated 2018 December 6.
Processing Information
Processing included re-housing materials in appropriate containers, establishment of series hierarchy, and the creation of this finding aid.
Processed by Dominic P. Grandinetti in December 2011.
- Title
- Ward, Lauriston. Papers of Lauriston Ward, 1900-1955 and undated: an inventory
- Language of description
- und
- EAD ID
- hua60011
Repository Details
Part of the Harvard University Archives Repository
Holding nearly four centuries of materials, the Harvard University Archives is the principal repository for the institutional records of Harvard University and the personal archives of Harvard faculty, as well as collections related to students, alumni, Harvard-affiliates and other associated topics. The collections document the intellectual, cultural, administrative and social life of Harvard and the influence of the University as it emerged across the globe.
Pusey Library
Harvard Yard
Cambridge MA 02138 USA
(617) 495-2461
archives_reference@harvard.edu