Papers, 1790-1965. 9.5 linear ft. The Archie W. Shiels papers consist of research material, publications, personal papers, maps and charts dating from around 1790 to 1965. The bulk of the materials date from around 1850 to 1950. Research materials date from circa 1797 to 1964, and represent the background sources Shiels used for writing his many manuscripts, books, and speeches. The documents reference a number of topics primarily related to Pacific Northwestern history and, in particular, Russian America, the Alaskan Territory, and the State of Alaska. Specific subjects include Alaska's annexation to the United States and its eventual statehood, subsequent boundary disputes, as well as the Bering Sea controversy regarding fur seal fishing. Publications date from around 1846 to 1965, and contain items authored by Shiels and other individuals that are related to Alaskan topics and the Pacific American Fisheries company. Personal papers date from circa 1800 to 1962, and include documents belonging to Shiels, but generally unrelated to his research regarding Alaskan history. Maps and charts date from around 1910 to 1944, and comprise early representations of Alaskan, Canadian, and Pacific Northwestern territories, cities, and surrounding areas. Archie W. Shiels was both a maker and a recorder of Alaskan history and folklore, and former president of Pacific American Fisheries. Finding aid available: http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv68418
