Research

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of correspondence, drafts of publications, notes, photographs, and occasional maps, pamphlets, and drawings accumulated by James Hall, State Geologist (1837-1898), State Paleontologist (1843-1898), Curator of the State Cabinet of Natural History (1866-1870), and Director of the State Museum of Natural History (1870-1894). Much of the material concerns the preparation and publication of the Paleontology of New York, prepared by Hall over several decades.

Other subjects of the correspondence include: preparation of otherpublications by Hall; legislative and other funding sources for Hall's work; acquisition and disposal of fossils by Hall (including sales and donations by Hall and purchase of the Ford Collection); discussion of geologic formations and stratigraphy; preparation of the geologic map of New York State (1894); allocation of Hall's work space; progress reports by Hall; historical background of the Museum and its procedures; Hall's appointment to a committee to study the Hoosac Tunnel; suggestions by Hall of suitable stone for the State Capitol; and field collecting activities by Hall's assistants.

The drafts and related items concern State Museum publications, reports by the State Geologist to various State officials, field work, and other activities of State Museum staff. The photographs depict fossils and geological features and formations. The drawings and "plates" are mostly geological sections, some colored, illustrating the stratigraphy of specific areas.