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Paul Bartsch papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS0250-UA

Collection Scope and Content

This collection consists of papers, a scrapbook, and pilot charts of waters. They range in date from 1894 to 1945 and their provenance is unknown. The old accession log listed it as being received in 1987.

The Smithsonian Institution Archives holds other papers of Paul Bartsch.

Dates

  • Creation: 1894-1945

Creator

Restrictions on Access

Some records may be restricted.

Restrictions on Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Historical or Biographical Note

Paul Bartsch (1871-1960) taught biological science and zoology at The George Washington University (GW) from 1899 to 1939 and became a professor emeritus in 1937 through 1960. He was a zoologist who specialized in mollusks. Bartsch held many important positions throughout his life including, professor emeritus at GW and curator of the mollusks division of the US National Museum.

Paul Bartsch was born in Silesia, Germany (currently Poland) in 1871. The Bartsch family immigrated to the United States in the 1880s, and settled down in Burlington, Iowa. Paul enrolled in sciences classes at the State University of Iowa; however, before completing his degree he left Iowa to work under William H. Dall, the honorary curator of the Division of Mollusks at the United States National Museum in Washington, DC. In 1914, Bartsch became the curator of the Division of Mollusks. His work at the Smithsonian led to many expeditions including those to the Philippines, Cuba, and the West Indies. He retired from his Smithsonian position in 1946.

While at the Smithsonian, Bartsch continued his research work on mollusks in addition to teaching biology, zoology, and histology to university students. Bartsch taught histology in the medical school at Howard University and eventually became director of the Histological and Physiological laboratory, a position that lasted thirty-seven years. Furthermore, he started teaching science and zoology at the GW in 1899 and became Professor emeritus in 1937. Bartsch continued as Professor emeritus at GW until 1960.

In addition to receiving a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa (1905), Bartsch also received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from GW in 1937.

Bartsch was also the president of numerous societies, including the Wild Flower Preservation Society (1920-1924), the Biological Society in Washington D.C. (1913-1915), and Vice President of the Washington Academy (1913-1915).

Bartsch died in 1960.

N.B. This history note was written in 2005

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Paul Bartsch (1871-1960) taught biological science and zoology at The George Washington University (GW) from 1899 to 1939 and became a professor emeritus in 1937 through 1960. He was a zoologist who specialized in mollusks. Bartsch held many important positions throughout his life including, professor emeritus at GW and curator of the mollusks division of the US National Museum. Collection consists of papers, a scrapbook, and pilot charts of waters. They range in date from 1894 to 1945 and their provenance is unknown. The old accession log listed it as being received in 1987.

Acquisition Information

Provenance of this collection is unknown.

Title
Guide to the Paul Bartsch papers, 1894-1945
Author
University Archives, Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
Date
2006
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository

Contact:
George Washington University Gelman Library
2130 H Street NW
Washington DC 20052 United States of America