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John Austin Farley Journals

 Collection
Identifier: A2025-04-01

Content Description

These notebooks are largely about birdwatching in New England and include what birds were seen, when they were seen, and where they were seen. There are large sections that have more observations of behavior and habits. There are also pages with quotes inscribed by the author in the book, appointment notes, and other thoughts. Throughout the journals are many doodles of birds and parts of birds, and many of the covers are covered in doodles and notes. Some pages have been crossed out or scribbled over but are still legible, and some pages from journals have been torn out and removed entirely. There are pages with notes folded and tucked into most journals. Finally, there are a few small art pieces tucked inside, a newspaper clipping of the Jabberwocky poem, and remnants of some colorful decorative stickers. Almost all journals have John Austin Farley's name written in it at least once.

Dates

  • 1874 - 1884

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for use. Some of the papers and the binding are fragile and require special care instructions.

Conditions Governing Use

Dated materials are in the public domain. The researcher assumes all responsibility for identifying copyright holders and attaining permission for reproduction.

Biographical / Historical

John Austin Farley (1860-1930) was a reporter, birder, and ornithologist whose work primarily focused on the New England and Massachusetts region. He was a member of the American Ornithologists Union and of the Nuttall Ornithological Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He collaborated with ornithologist Edward H. Forbush and led Gypsey Moth suppression work on Cape Cod and the South Shore.

Extent

8 Volumes

0.13 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Latin

Arrangement

Volume kept intact with nothing removed, presumed to be how it was made.

Custodial History

No note of provenance.

Accruals

None are expected.

Related Materials

No known archival collections of Farley's papers. Some of Farley's most well documented publications appeared in The Auk, now known as the journal entitled Ornithology. Some titles are "The Alder Flycatcher (empidonax Traillii Alnorum) as a Summer Resident of Eastern Massachusetts" and "The Seaside Sparrow!". Farley also contributed editorial and field research to Edward H. Forbush's "Birds of Massachusetts and New England."

Processing Information

Emily Buff (Archives Management Graduate Intern)

Title
John Austin Farley Journals Finding Aid
Status
Completed
Author
Emily Buff (Archives Management Graduate Intern)
Date
February 2025
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Museum of Science, Boston Archives Repository

Contact:
One Science Park
Boston Massachusetts 02114