Main content

Henry N. Michael papers, 1938-2004 (inclusive)

Extent:

6.0 cubic feet (4 records storage cartons of papers, 1 records storage carton of index cards and 1 records storage carton of visual materials)

Abstract:

Henry N. Michael was an anthropologist and geographer whose research on growth rings in ancient bristlecone pine trees allowed him to develop Carbon 14 calibration, or “correcting scale.” This scale helped to resolve problems in radiocarbon dating in archaeology. Dr. Michael also published a number of works translated from Russian on various aspects of Arctic archaeology and ethnography, along with folklore of Arctic people. Holdings include research and field notes on his trips to the White Mountains in California to collect bristlecone pine samples, testing of wood samples at the Penn Museum Radiocarbon Lab, and notes and drafts of publications and translations.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Penn Museum Archives [Contact Us]