William H. Sherzer papers

Collection

Identifier: 010.WS

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The William H. Sherzer papers include a bibliography of nature study materials, biographical and family history, clippings, correspondence, Dr. Sherzer Hour, memorial writings, photographs, publications both personal and resource, and the Teachers Excursion to Yellowstone National Park. The collection is arranged alphabetically. Records date from 1885-1968. The collection is not a complete record one would expect from teaching faculty, with little in the collection documenting his teaching, student advising, or scholarship.

Dates

1892 - 1932

Creator

Sherzer, W. H., (William Hittell), 1860-1932 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives.

Biographical note

Dr. William Hittell Sherzer was a professor of geology and head of Department of Natural Sciences at Michigan State Normal College from 1892-1932. He was born 1860 September 6 in Franklin, Ohio. Sherzer received his education from the University of Michigan, including his Ph.D. in 1901, he also completed graduate work at the University of Berlin from 1900-1901, and completed a special study at the Smithsonian Institution in anthropology, 1927-1928. Sherzer’s teaching career began in the rural schools of Ohio after his graduation from high school. He was also the principal of Saginaw High School, 1886-1889; principal and science teaching at Houghton High School in the fall of 1891. He then returned to the University of Michigan to become an instructor in geology, 1891-1892. Sherzer became a professor of natural science at Michigan State Normal College (MSNC) in 1892 where he remained until his death in 1932. In 1895 he opened in the first class in nature study at MSNC During his time at MSNC, Sherzer was also a research associate at the Natural Science Camp, Canadigua Lake, New York, and Chautauqua, New York as well as an assistant for the Michigan State Geological Survey, 1896-1913. William Sherzer died at his home on Bass Lake, 17 July 1932.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet (1 archive box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The William H. Sherzer papers document Sherzer's personal and professional life. Sherzer taught geology and was head of the natural sciences at Michigan State Normal College from 1892-1932. His collection includes clippings, biographical information, correspondence, photographs, Sherzer's publications and resource publications. The collection is arranged alphabetically. Records date from 1885-1968.