U.S. National Fungus Collections topical files, 1850-1977 | United States National Fungus Collections topical files

The U.S. National Fungus Collections Topical Files contain historical records assembled largely by John A. Stevenson during his 33 years of service as director of the U.S. National Fungus Collections. These materials reflect the history of American mycology and plant pathology and the relationship to the development of the U.S. National Fungus Collections in the 19th and 20th centuries. These files include correspondence; biographical information; unpublished manuscripts; information on scientific meetings, other herbaria, associations and societies; mycological and phytopathological data; photographs; and field and laboratory records. Many American mycologists and plant pathologists are represented in the materials, including: L. von Schweinitz, H. Ravenel, C. H. Peck, P. Spaulding, J. B. Ellis, C. L. Shear, L. C. C. Krieger, G. L. Zundel, George Washington Carver, E. E. Morse, R. K. Beattie, W. H. Long, E. K. Cash, A. G. Johnson, and A. E. Jenkins. Specific subject areas represented include: botanical nomenclature, barberry eradication, chestnut blight disease, Wollenweber's Fusarium studies, International Botanical Congresses, historical studies of the USDA, as well as correspondence and reports of the National Fungus Collections.

There are 125 letters between George Washingto Carver and John A. Stevenson, C.L. Shear, Anna E. Jenkins, and others. The letters written by Dr. Carver are the originals, with the majority being hand-written. The letters written by Mr. Stevenson, Dr. Shear, Dr. Jenkins, and others are typed copies on onion skin.

There are also 31 items from an exhibit on George Washington Carver by the US National Fungus Collections. These include newspaper clippings, obituaries, publications, letter facsimiles, signs and labels from the exhibit, and other pieces of ephemera.