Skip to main content

Thomas Harper Goodspeed (1887–1966) papers

 Collection
Identifier: HIBDARC-0182

Content Description

The bulk of this collection consists of Correspondence, alphabetized by name, from Goodspeed's directorship of the Botanical Gardens at the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, the collection contains drafts and reprints of published articles, documents from various expeditions, and personal items such as tax returns and class notes. There are also 14 film canisters. The collection was primarily received from the then curator of the Berkeley gardens, Bruce Bartholomew, in 1974. Additional materials which were received from P. C. Hutchison in 1971 were later added to this collection from a previously separate accesion.

Dates

  • Creation: 1923–1963

Biographical / Historical

Thomas Harper Goodspeed (1887–1966) was a botanist and cytologist who was best known for being the director of the Botanical Gardens at the University of California, Berkeley from 1926 until his retirement in 1957. Prior to his position at Berkeley, he contributed to work in finding substitute rubber sources and served on the State Council of Defense of California as Secretary of the Committee on Scientific Research during World War I. While at Berkeley, he began specializing in studying Nicotania, becoming a recognized expert on the origin and classification of tobacco plants. He was also involved in United States botanical projects in South America, including developing the National Botanical Garden and Research Institute in collaboration with the Chilean government.

Extent

6 Linear Feet (3 archival boxes + 14 film canisters)

Language of Materials

English

Title
Guide to Thomas Harper Goodspeed (1887–1966) papers
Author
Christi Thomas
Date
19 May 2026
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation Archives Repository

Contact: