Call Number:

WC034

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.2 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); J. Paul Baldeagle Papers, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1915-1970 (inclusive)

Creator:

Baldeagle, J. Paul (Joseph Paul), 1897-1970

Form:

Clippings -- 20th century., Correspondence -- 20th century, Memorabilia -- 20th century., and photographs -- 20th century

Abstract:

Consists of a small group of papers of J. Paul Baldeagle (Princeton University Class of 1923), a South Dakota-born Sioux, who was a schoolteacher for 35 years at William MacFarland High School in Bordentown, New Jersey, as well as a Native American rights activist.

J. Paul (Joseph Paul) Baldeagle was a South Dakota-born Sioux and grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He was a direct descendant of Chief No-Flesh, who defeated General George Custer. Baldeagle attended the Carlisle Indian School, and later, Princeton University, graduating in the Class of 1923. Baldeagle was a schoolteacher (1924-1960) and head of the English Department (1934-1959) at William MacFarland High School in Bordentown, New Jersey. After retiring from teaching, he worked at Princeton University's Firestone Library. Throughout his life, he was an activist on behalf of the rights of Native American people. Baldeagle bequeathed his extensive collection of Native American artifacts to the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton.

The collection consists of a small group of papers of J. Paul Baldeagle (Princeton University Class of 1923), a South Dakota-born Sioux, who was a schoolteacher for 35 years at William MacFarland High School in Bordentown, New Jersey, as well as a Native American rights activist. His papers include correspondence regarding speaking events and honors, land sales, and family matters; letters from elementary school children at the Riverside School in Princeton following class visits; writings, including poems and essays about Sioux cultural traditions and religion; photographs of Baldeagle, his students, family members, and friends; printed material, such as invitations and programs; and newspaper clippings about Baldeagle, including articles about his activism and obituaries.