Thomas Indian School Superintendent's Daily Diaries
Held by the New York State Archives
Overview of the Records
New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230
Arrangement
Chronological by year.
Scope and Content Note
These diaries provide a summary record of activities of the staff and students at the school. Entries are in manuscript, and were apparently written by the school superintendent and kept as a record of the school's administration over time. Two of the volumes (1908, 1909) are signed by Superintendent Emily P. Lincoln, but the remainder are unsigned. With some exceptions, diary entries cover the twelve months of each year. The tone of the diaries is institutional; they are not the personal diaries of the superintendents. As such they do not contain personal opinions, reflections, references to world events, or any non-work related entries.
Brief daily entries typically mention weather conditions; farm work in progress; maintenance and repair work in progress; entertainment provided to children (such as movies, visits to fairs); team sporting events; incidents pertaining to specific children (such as death, illness, injury, failure to return from vacation); religious activities; correspondence sent by superintendent; and trips by superintendent and staff.
Use of Records
Access Restrictions
Restricted: Access to records is administered according to provisions of the Freedom of Information Law.
Alternate Formats Available
Microfilm is available for use at the New York State Archives or through interlibrary loan.
Related Information
Other finding aidsVolume list is available at the repository.
Access Terms
Indians of North America--Child welfare
Indians of North America--Orphanages
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