John K. Pickens Papers (MS057)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Local History/Special Collections
717 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Patricia Walker, Branch Manager
Phone: (703) 746-1719
Phone: (703) 838-4577
Fax: (703) 706-3912
Preferred citation:

John K. Pickens Papers, MS057, Alexandria Library, Local History/Special Collections, Alexandria, Va.

Summary

Extent:
1.8 Linear Feet 5 boxes
Creator:
Pickens, John K., 1918-1976
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

John K. Pickens Papers, MS057, Alexandria Library, Local History/Special Collections, Alexandria, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains organizational records of the Alexandria Archaeological Commission as well as correspondence with the Smithsonian Institution prior to the 1975 formation of the Alexandria Archaeological Commission. Clippings, research notes and archaeology notes are included as well. Topics include: formation of the Alexandria Archaeology Commission, archaeological digs along King Street, research on the Henry Piercy family, and area merchants.

Biographical / historical:

John K. Pickens, Alexandria lawyer and city councilman, was instrumental in beginning formal archaeological studies in Alexandria. The studies began in the mid-1960s, under Richard (Dick) Muzzrole of the Smithsonian Institution. In 1975, the Alexandria Archaeology Commission (the AAC) was formed with John Pickens as chairman. Following Muzzrole's resignation as City Archaeologist in December 1975, the AAC began a search for his replacement.

Arrangement:

The collection is divided into the following series: Series I: Organizational Records (1964-1976) - Chronological by year Series II: Clippings (1958-1976) - Chronological by year Series III: Archaeology notes - Alphabetical by topic Series IV: Research - Alphabetical by topic Series V: Subject File - Alphabetical by topic Series VI: Correspondence - Alphabetical by writer and then chronologically within each Series VII: Printed Matter - Chronological by year Series VIII: Miscellaneous Series IX: Photographs

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard