Wilder Family papers and artifacts
Scope and Contents
The Wilder Family papers and artifacts are a collection of material related to the Wilder Family, primarily concerning Hyman Augustus Wilder (Williams 1845), George Albert Wilder (Williams 1877), and Leopold Livingston Wilder (Williams 1907) and their missionary work in South Africa in the mid to late 19th and 20th centuries. The collection includes artifacts such as a Zulu Spirit doll; an official document presented to Hyman A. Wilder promising all lawful aid and protection by the United States and signed by President James Buchanan dated Feb. 20, 1849; and African food preparation equipment. The Wilder Family papers include hymns, Hyman Wilder's diary, Williams College documents belonging to George Wilder, a poem written by Alice C. (Scamman) Wilder, pencil sketches, ephemera, newspaper clippings, and photographs documenting the Wilder Family's time in Africa. The Wilder Family papers and artifacts date approximately from 1837-1972.
Dates
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1837 - 1972
Conditions Governing Access
The Wilder Family papers and artifacts is open for research. Researchers are encouraged to contact Special Collections staff prior to a visit.
Conditions Governing Use
In consultation with Special Collections staff, reproductions may be made upon request. Material in this collection may be subject to copyright.
Extent
3.5 Linear Feet (1 manuscript box legal, 1 records storage box, 1 flat file box)
Language of Materials
English
Physical Location
Library Shelving Facility
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Richard Wilder (great, great grandson of George Albert Wilder, Class of 1877), 2019.
Separated Materials
The four books included in the collection have been removed and cataloged separately: 1. "Amagama Okuhlabelela" published by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions for the American Zulu Mission, Natal, South Africa 1897 belonging to Leopold, 2. "An Elementary Grammar of the Zulu-Kafir Language" by the Right Rev. J.W. Colenso, Bishop of Natal (undated) belonging to Hyman, 3. "The Standard-Alphabet Problem..." by Robert Moffat, 1864 belonging to Hyman and then Leopold, 4. "The White African: the Story of Mafavuke..." by George A. Wilder 1933.
Processing Information
Framed 1849 United States document was removed from frame and rehoused in a broadside folder.
- Title
- Wilder Family papers and artifacts
- Author
- Zepka, Laura
- Date
- 2019
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Williams College Archives Repository
Sawyer Library
26 Hopkins Hall Drive
Williamstown, MA 01267
specialcollections@williams.edu