Alton A. Lindsey papers

Collection — Box: Box 1

Identifier: MSF 225

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Alton A. Lindsey papers (1921-2000; 0.5 cubic feet) document the life, academic and scientific career, and publication history of Alton A. Lindsey. They feature publications and maps regarding geographical areas Lindsey studied, including the Lindsey Islands in Antarctica, the Ross Biological Reserve in Indiana, and Pine Hills Preserve in Indiana. Some of the ecological papers were authored by scholars other than Lindsey. Types of materials include: vitas, photographs, publications, articles, newsletters, pamphlets, maps, postcards, poetry, licenses, certificates, obituaries, and diplomas.

Dates

Creation: 1921 - 2000

Creator

Lindsey, Alton A. (Alton Anthony), 1907-1999 (Person)

Language of Materials

Collection materials are in English.

Access Information

Collection is open for research.

Copyright and Use Information

Some material in this collection are in the public domain, while other material copyrights are held by Purdue University. Consult with Purdue University Archives and Special Collections prior to reproduction of materials.

Biographical Information

Alton Lindsey was a renowned Purdue University ecologist who served as the vertebrate zoologist for Admiral Byrd's second Expedition to the Antarctic in 1933-35 and is considered the father of Indiana's nature preserve system. Born in Pittsburgh in 1907, Lindsey earned a bachelor's degree from Allegheny College in 1929 and a doctorate from Cornell University in 1937. He came to Purdue in 1947 as a biology professor and in 1969 wrote Natural Areas in Indiana and Their Preservation, considered "the bible" of preservation. The book was instrumental in the creation of 170 protected nature preserves in the state. He was instrumental in the preservation of Ross Hills Park and Pine Hills Nature Preserve, among others. In 1960, 12 Lindsey Islands in Antarctica were named for him, and in 1973 a new genus and species of animal was named for him. Lindsey wrote 10 books and 75 research papers. He was named an emeritus professor in 1973, and in 1976 the Ecological Society of America conferred on him the Eminent Ecologist Award. He received an honorary Purdue doctorate in 1995. Lindsey died December 19, 1999 at age 92.

Extent

0.40 Cubic Feet

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

Original order of the materials has been retained.

Acquisition Information

Collection was donated by Alton Lindsey on January 5, 1997.

Processing Information

Whenever possible, original order of the materials has been retained. All materials have been housed in polyester sleeves, acid-free folders, and acid-free boxes.