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Hetty Goldman papers
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Held at: Bryn Mawr College [Contact Us]Bryn Mawr College Library, 101 N. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr 19010
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Bryn Mawr College. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
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Hetty's Goldman's career in archaeology was conducted against the backdrop of a series of world upheavals, yet throughout, she persevered not only in her desire to engage in field archaeology, but also in her philanthropic devotion to those people in the Mediterranean touched by turbulent times. Goldman was part of the first generation of American archaeologists to work in the Mediterranean, and she became the first American woman to direct an archaeological excavation on mainland Greece. Remembered as a woman of exceptional wit and humor and a scholar of unshakable principles and determination, Goldman left behind a legacy worthy of her pioneering spirit.
Goldman (1881-1972) was born in New York City to a wealthy banking family. She entered Bryn Mawr College in 1899, pursuing a double major in English and Greek, completing her undergraduate degree in 1903. She then began graduate studies at Columbia University in Ancient Greek, where she remained for several years. In 1909 she enrolled in the graduate department for classical languages and archaeology at Radcliffe College. From 1910 to 1912, she completed a Charles Eliot Norton Fellowship from Harvard University for Greek Studies at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. During her fellowship, she began her first excavation on acropolis in Halae with Alice Leslie Walker, a fellow student, in May of 1911. After the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Goldman went back to the United States and earned her Ph.D in 1916 at Radcliffe College.
In 1922 Goldman excavated Colophon in Ionia with Carl W. Blegen, but the excavation was shut down by the Graeco-Turkish war. She directed her next excavation at the site of a Eutresis in Boeotia investigating prehistoric times (1924-1927). In 1932, Goldman's cousin connected her with the team for the archaeological survey through Yugoslavia and later the excavation of Starčevo that revealed Neolithic remains. In 1934, Goldman joined the Department of Archaeology of Bryn Mawr College in Tarsus, Cilicia, on the Southeast coast of Turkey. Her work there, alongside Bryn Mawr professors and students, lasted for several seasons, ending finally with the outbreak of World War II.
Goldman's charitable work often claimed her time during war times. She volunteered as a nurse for the American Red Cross Commission to Greece in 1913. She continued to work with the American Red Cross Home Service Department, the Department of Public Information in Washington D.C. and the Joint Distribution Committee for the Relief of Jewish War Sufferers in Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and the US for many years.
Goldman returned to academia in 1936 as a professor in the School of Humanities Studies at the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) in Princeton, New Jersey; she was the institute's first woman professor. Upon the agreement that allowed her to continue to Tarsus, Goldman worked on publications of Tarsus, Halae, and other interests at IAS during the war years. She retired from IAS in 1947, and worked with the publication of the Tarsus volumes. Goldman would receive many honors in the field of archaeology and classical studies for her archaeological career.
Hetty Goldman was not only an important early 20th century archaeologist, she was a pioneering figure in the field. As the first women to lead an excavation (in Tarsus with Bryn Mawr College), and one of the first women ever to receive a PhD in the field, Goldman and her work are part of an important period in the history of archaeology. This collection focuses doubly on Goldman's life through photographs and correspondence, and on her important work in collaboration with Bryn Mawr in Tarsus through photographs and notebooks. The collection's largest strength lies in the access it gives to Goldman's life and thinking through photographs, letters, and speeches.
The Hetty Goldman papers house a small collection of letters, speeches, awards and photographs related to Goldman's archaeological work. Much of this materials relates to other collections that originated in Bryn Mawr College's archeology department. This collection, which dates from 1901 to 1966, contains insight into both Goldman's career and her archaeological work. The strengths of the collection lie in its photographs of Goldman herself as well as sites she excavated, as well as in a typed speech she delivered at Bryn Mawr College in 1955.
The collection is arranged in five series of varying size: "Series I: Correspondence", "Series II: Speeches", "Series III: Photographs", "Series IV: Miscellaneous", and "Series V: Publication Negatives". In addition to this scope description, there is also a detailed spreadsheet listing every object in "Extra Files".
"Series I: Correspondence" contains letters, notes and cards to and from Hetty Goldman, dating between 1901 and 1966. The bulk of the letters are after 1930 however. The letters mostly pertain to Goldman's archeological work. Several include photographs or drawings related to exhibitions. "Series II: Speeches" contains two speeches: one typewritten speech from 1955 and one audio tape from 1966. The audio-tape has not be digitized. "Series III: Photographs" contains lantern slides and black and white photographs, and small albums from 1911 to 1951. There are several unique images of Hetty Goldman that are currently unpublished. Most of these images are of Goldman herself, with a minority pertaining to site photography. "Series IV: Miscellaneous" contains The "Miscellaneous" series contains: two notebooks used while traveling, Hetty Goldman's business card, an award medal, and a place card from an unknown dinner event. "Series V: Publication Negatives" contains 87 large, glass plate negatives (5 x7 inches, or 9.25 x 7 inches). Many of the negatives were used to produce illustrations for several publications by Hetty Goldman, but there are images that were not published. The publications were: A. L. Walker and Hetty Goldman, "Report on Excavations at Halae," AJA 19 (1915) 418-37; Hetty Goldman, "The Acropolis of Halae," Hesperia IX (1940) 381-514; Hetty Goldman and Frances Jones, "Terracottas from the Necropolis of Halae," Hesperia 11 (1942) 365-421. Note: the plates are in a poor state of conservation and a very fragile. No record of the date for the plates has been preserved; a broad date of 1911 to 1942 has been based on the date of the publications, although an earlier date is probable. In addition to these series, other Goldman materials not located in this collection, but that are sited at Bryn Mawr College, are described in the "Related Materials Notes."
- Publisher
- Bryn Mawr College
- Finding Aid Author
- Elliot Krasnopoler, with notes from Joan Riley
- Finding Aid Date
- October 2018
- Access Restrictions
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This collection is open for research use.
- Use Restrictions
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Copyright restrictions may apply. Please contact the Archives with requests for copying and for authorization to publish, quote or reproduce the material.
Collection Inventory
Letter dated 26 June, 1901 (or possibly 1907). The letter is two pages (22.5 x 13 cm), with a printed "CB" in the upper left, handwritten, and in German. It is addressed to "Liebste Grossmama," from the location "Steinfeld bei Urft," and signed "Bertha und Bernhard." It is illustrated with six small watercolors and one small sketch: several are labeled in English: "Our House in Steinfeld." "The Monastery at Night," and "Doing the country on the Pedemobile." With the letter: a small envelope labeled "Illustraed Letter..." and a small black and white photograph (5 x 7 cm) of an unidentified man. The writing on the envelope appears to be Hetty Goldman's. The letter and photographs were found with the Hetty Goldman files; the last name of the writer is not given.
An offprint from Dorothy Burr to Hetty Goldman. The article: D. Burr, "A Primitive Statue from Arkadia," AJA 31 (1927) 169-176. A note written in the upper right hand corner of the first page states: "with my humble compliments, Dorothy Burr". Placed with the offprint there are 6 pages of notes, varying sizes, and 1 black and white photograph of a statue.
Fewkes to Goldman. A typed letter to Hetty Goldman dated October 7, 1937, signed by "Vlad" apparently Vladimir J. Fewkes. The letter concerns a "stone piece from Levidhi" and also mentions "Childe," possibly V. Gordon Childe.
A letter from H. Goldman to Marion Edwards Park, President of Bryn Mawr College, November 9, 1937. She discusses the Tarsus excavation and includes 4 photographs: 3 of the Tarsus excavation storage room, which she calls "our 'Museum' room" and one of a seal impression. In the letter she informs President Park of her recent move to Princeton, NJ, and invites her to spend a weekend at her new apartment.
Alva Elford to H. Goldman, April 24, 1941. A handwritten letter with sketches from Alva Elford to Hetty Goldman thanking her for the loan of several photographs of architectural terracottas from Halae and speculating upon their construction.
Cilicia and Capodocia Album 1948. A small photo-album, with hand-written annotations, from U. Bahadir Alkem. The handmade album documents his trip on horse-back through Cilicia and Cappodocia in January 1948. The album opens with a letter to Hetty Goldman, written in Istanbul on January 9, 1948. Also, a black and white photograph of "Mr. and Mrs. U. Balhadir Alkem" standing in front of a tent. The photograph is from the same time period, but can't be securely connected to the same journey.
Postcard, George Hanfmann to Goldman April 25, 1948. A postcard from George Hanfmann to Hetty Goldman dated April 25, 1948. Also an envelope from the Institute for Advance Study, Princeton NJ with the following written on it: "Photos sent by Hanfmann from Europe." The envelope contained 6 black and white photographs: four of ancient terracottas and two of views. The date when the photographs were acquired is not known, although one is dated to August 9, 1953.
A notecard with a drawing of a seal from Mycenae on the front cover. The handwritten message inside praises Hetty Goldman and wishes her the best in the future; it is signed "George and Ilse Hanfmann." There is no date, but the message suggests that it is to be associated with two possible events: her retirement from the Institute for Advanced Studies in 1947, or the conference at the Institute in 1956, celebrating her 75th birthday and the publication of the festschrift in her honor.
A black and white photograph (18 x 13 cm) framed in mat board. A message from Theresa Goell is written on the frame: "To Hetty, with constant appreciation for your encouragement, Theresa." The translucent envelope in which it was stored had the following written in the upper left corner: "Female Head From East Terrace - Nimrud Dagh". No date is given. The following information also appears on the back of the photograph and frame: Nimrud Dagh - East Terrace, Female Ancestress. D54 - XLIII-14A.
Letter from Hetty Goldman to M.J. Mellink, dated May 27, 1961, promising Machteld Mellink that she would "stand behind you."
A copy of a letter to Hetty Goldman from President McBride thanking her for the donation that makes the Tarsus excavation possible.
Two black and white photographs and three photographic negatives of a masonry wall with a sculptured shield in relief set into the wall (the site is not indicated). Accompanying these items a small black and white photograph with the following message written on it: "Thank you very much for the reprint. The shield interested me greatly. With best wishes for Christmas. Agnes Newhall" Approximate date 1930.
Letter from Katherine McBride to Hetty Goldman dated September 19, 1966.
Postcard to Hetty Goldman from Theresa Goell dated December 8, 1951.
A handwritten letter and seven black and white photographs to Hetty Goldman from Gustavus F. Swift Jr. of the Oriental Institute, the University of Chicago. Dated: December 3, 1951.
2 folders
H. Goldman Speech. Typewritten pages of a speech given by Hetty Goldman at Bryn Mawr College, April 5, 1955, 12 o'clock.
One reel of Ampex brand recording tape with the speech from an unnamed speaker (President Thompson?) at the presentation of the Gold Medal from the Archaeological Institute of America in December of 1966. The tape was recorded in 3 and 3/4 speed. Note: Hetty Goldman was unable to attend the event.
One glass lantern slide (10 x 8 cm, 4 x 3.25 inches) shows Hetty Goldman in a very large pithos, her head only is visible. Information about the site and specific year are not known.
Black and white photograph (11 x 8.5 cm) of Hetty Goldman (far right) with two other women, apparently on a boat. The other two women are not identified. The date, "1911" is written on the back.
Black and white photograph (11 x 8 cm) shows Hetty Goldman (at right) and another unknown woman at dockside. The date is not given, but is probably 1911.
Black and white photograph (10.5 x 8 cm) shows four men and one woman standing near the coast of Greece, at Halae. All figures are seen from a distance. The woman is most like Hetty Goldman. The following is written on the back: " '13" at top center (1913), "Goldman" at top right. Below this: "Halae in Locris Greece #19 - View to WSW & W from ancient acropolis. Island of Atalante at left just beyond water."
Black and white photograph (10.5 x 8 cm) of Hetty Goldman standing beside a tree and looking into the distance, probably in Greece, ca. 1913-1914, a full length image in profile view. She wears a long-skirted suit with a hat.
Black and white photograph (11 x 6.5 cm): Hetty Goldman, seated at table (center) with two other (unnamed) people - a man and a woman. There is an inscription on the back in French and it is dated to 1919. The inscription: " A Mademoiselle H. Goldman - En souvenir de son séjour à (Lalouique?)" Followed by a signature and dated to 15 March 1919.
Black and white photograph (10 x 8 cm) of Hetty Goldman holding an ancient terracotta figurine of a standing female. She is surrounded by ancient pots and terracottas. The objects are from the excavations at Halai (Locris, Greece). The note on the back states: "Here I am as 'Die Gelehrte Frau.' Taken in the museum at Thebes." No date given.
Greece and Italy 1929-30. Twenty-eight photographs from a tour of Greece, Greek Islands (e.g. Thisbe, Messene, Vouliasmene, Thera, Santorini) and South Italy (Paestum), 1929-1930.
Fourteen small black and white negatives and thirteen small black and white prints (contact prints?) of a tour of Delos. No dates given but clothing suggest 1930s.
Image of a peasant woman spinning while tending sheep, Greece/Turkey(?). The photograph was sent to Hetty Goldman from "Mr. D." (William Bell Dinsmoor?) Possible date in the 1930s.
A small black and white photograph (10 x 7 cm) of a group of people at the Halai excavation, probably the Spring campaign of 1931. Five people are gathered in front of a small stone building. Left to right: unnamed woman, Hetty Goldman (seated), unnamed man, an unnamed man in the doorway of the building, and a third young woman stands to the far right. One of the two young women is probably Virginia Grace. The man in the center bends over a fragment of a statue, a marble head that is illustrated in: Hetty Goldman, "The Acropolis of Halae," Hesperia IX (1940) p. 499, fig. 242, no. 1. A contact print of three successive photographs connects the group to a photography session of the marble head.
Black and white photograph (3.25 x 2.25 inches, 8 x 6 cm) and the photographic negative; Hetty Goldman in a formal photograph surrounded by thirteen members of her team. Photograph was taken at Tarsus in the 1930s, at some time between 1934 and 1938. The envelope in which it was stored stated "Tarsus Festivities. No. 58, Tarsus Print Pre-War."
Black and white photograph (8.5 x 6 cm) of Hetty Goldman with the Tarsus team standing outdoors (under cover). Hetty Goldman stands with another unnamed woman at her left and is surrounded by a large group of men.
Twenty-seven black and white photographs (all small but varied sizes) from the years 1935 to 1938, showing varied sites in Turkey (e.g Tarsus, Adana, Cilician Gates) and views of the Tarsus excavation.
Black and white photograph (8 x 6 cm) of Hetty Goldman with an unnamed man and woman, outdoors, having a meal under the trees. The photograph was found with other images of Tarsus; the event was probably a picnic in the Tarsus/Cilicia area. No date is given.
Two black and white photographs (3 x 2 inches, 7.5 x 5 cm) from the 1947 excavation at Tarsus. Hetty Goldman at the excavation, sitting on a camp-stool. One photograph shows her alone. The second with two people who may be Mr. and Mrs. U. Bahadir Alkem.
H. Goldman and M. Mellink 1947-48
A small black and white photograph (8 x 5.5 cm): Theresa Goell stands in front of a shed at the Tarsus excavation. The following is written on the back of the photograph: "1948 Haima (shed) Tarsus "Fat Lady" is T.G."
Black and white photograph (14.5 x 10.5 cm): several members of Hetty Goldman's excavation team for the Tarsus excavation. Written on th back: "The 'end of a perfect day' April 4, 1949, when our division for the USA was complete—that is the inspection—and we were tying up the last bag. Theresa Goell 'Holding the Bag'."
Delos, May 1951. Two (2) black and white photographs (3.5 x 2.25 inches, 8.5 x 6 cm) of a visit to Delos in May 1951. One picture is labeled "view from my window" and the second picture is labeled "M. Ginouvès center of picture."
A large black and white photograph (9.5 x 7.75 inches, 24 x 19.5 cm) of mountains. Remains of glue on the back indicate that it was once mounted. No information available on the place or date. The sepia tones and general appearance suggest a date before 1935. The picture was part of the Hetty Goldman files.
A small traveling notebook with black leather cover (5.75 x 3.75 x .25 inches). The notebook (handwriting apparently Hetty Goldman's) records brief notes and sketches of travel in Greece in the Summer of 1921 (May through August).
A small traveling notebook with red leather cover (5.75 x 4.5 x .5 inches). The notebook (handwriting apparently Hetty Goldman's) records brief notes and sketches of travel in Turkey in June 11/12, to July 2 1921.
File Name: Hetty Goldman's Business Card. A business card (3.5 x 2 inches) that states the following: HETTY GOLDMAN PH.D., FIELD DIRECTOR, EXPEDITION TO CILICIA, BRYN MAWR COLLEGE, HARVARD UNIVERSITY, ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA.
A card with a drawing of a scene from a Greek red-figure vase with "Miss Goldman" written below the scene, possibly a place card from a dinner.
A photograph (about 5" x 7") of a marble tondo from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. On the back the following notes in pencil: "C8242," 37.1152", "Greek - Marble disc with Relief," "Bull XXXVI, 7 h(?) 17 Relief marble, about 400 B.C. Helen & Alice Colburn Fund." With the photo 6 pages of handwritten research notes and sketches of related scenes.
87 foldersThis Series contains 87 folders, each containing a single glass plate negative. Some of these plates are broken and placed in additional envelopes.