Shereen Thomas
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Irene Soto Marin, Assistant Professor/ Assistant Curator
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Classical Studies / Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 2 (11am – 11:50am)
Breakout Room: Room 1
Presenter: 1
Abstract
One of the lesser-known gems of the University of Michigan is our extensive Papyrology Collection with approximately 18,000 texts and documents. A large portion of this collection was acquired by Professor Kelsey through his collaboration with Dr. David L. Askren in the early 1900s. This study allows researchers to better understand the acquisition of these papyri by transcribing the correspondence (in the form of letters, cablegrams, telegrams, etc.) between these two men into Google Docs in order for the information to be searchable on the internet. An analysis of this correspondence as they are being transcribed reveals the relationships between other notable men who played a significant role in the extensiveness of our collection today, such as Mr. Charles L. Freer, Maurice Nahman, and B. P. Grenfell. These transcriptions add to our understanding of how The University of Michigan’s Papyrology Collection came to be, broaden our knowledge of 20th-century travel and correspondence, and will contribute to further research about similar topics.
Authors: Shereen Thomas, Irene MarÃn
Research Method: Library/Archival/Internet Research
