Chancellor's Point records
Scope and Contents
A collection of documents, articles, correspondences, memorandums and other papers relating to (and found in) the Chancellor’s Point Natural History Center. Much of the collection’s correspondences and articles are from Robert Shaw, the Chancellor’s Point naturalist in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The collection also includes grant applications, newspaper articles, and press releases.
Interestingly, the collection contains a correspondence exchange between Robert Shaw and folk singer and political activist Pete Seeger regarding composting toilets. Mr. Seeger drew a diagram of a composting toilet in the chain of correspondence.
Dates
- 1978-1985
Historical note
Chancellor’s Point is a 66-acre site in Historic St. Mary’s City, intended as a public space for learning and recreational activities. The nature center focused on educating the public on the natural history of St. Mary’s County and its environment. Though the Nature Center never fully came to fruition, it was used and exhibits were created. As of 2015, Historic St. Mary’s City has dedicated itself to restoring Chancellor’s Point into a public recreational area.
Extent
0.5 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
A collection of documents, educational materials, correspondences, memoranda and other papers relating to the planned Chancellor’s Point Natural History Center (the property is still in the possession of Historic St. Mary’s City but it was never converted into a nature center). Collection includes a letter from folk singer and activist Pete Seeger which discusses composting toilets, complete with illustration.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
St. Mary's Student, Luke Koenig, maintains and improves the Chancellor’s Point center as an Internship for Credit. Historical materials were found in the center (which was formerly in a state of disrepair), donated to the archive in November of 2014.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Collection is open without restriction.
Separated Materials
Robert Shaw, former naturalist, had collected many periodicals, some of them related to local and state organizations dedicated to preserving the environment. These were removed and added to MSS 014, Collection on Maryland and St. Mary's County.
Processing Information
Collection arranged and described for fulfillment of final project credit for MUST 390, Introduction to Archives and Information Science, Spring 2015.
- Author
- Lee Anderson
- Date
- 2015
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the St. Mary's College of Maryland Archives Repository
Calvert Hall
St. Mary's College of Maryland
47645 College Dr.
St. Mary's City MD 20686-3001 United States
240-895-4196
archives@smcm.edu