Records of the Puerto Rico Study
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Abstract
The Puerto Rico Project was a comprehensive study conducted by Dr. Julian H. Steward and a select team of anthropologists between 1947 and 1949. The collection includes correspondence, minutes, interviews, reports, journal accounts, fieldwork reports, printed matter, manuscripts, thesis, maps, and ephemera.
Historical Note
The Puerto Rico Project was an in-depth study of the Island's population organized by Dr. Jaime Benitez, chancellor of the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, with the assistance of Clarence Senior, director of the University's Center of Social Science Investigations. In early 1947, the proposed study was brought to the attention of Dr. Julian Steward, chair of Columbia University's Anthropology Department.
By December 1947 the organization of project goals, research hypotheses and methodology were underway. The fieldwork phase of the project began in February 1948, coinciding with Operation Bootstrap ("Operación Manos a la Obra"), the Puerto Rico government's ambitious plan to industrialize the Island. Dr. Steward chose many of his graduate students to head fieldwork investigations. This core group included noted leaders in the field of anthropology: Sidney Mintz, Eric R. Wolf, Elena Padilla Seda, Robert A. Manners, John Murra, Raymond Scheele and others. Students from the Universities of Puerto Rico and Chicago also assisted in the study to gain professional training.
In contrast to previous anthropological studies that investigated communities as isolated units, the Puerto Rico Project not only assessed the impact of industrialization among rural communities, but it also produced an analysis of the relationship between those communities and the Island through oral history, labor studies, and comparative surveys of sociocultural patterns.
Fieldwork activities concluded in August 1949, followed by a year of supplemental library research. A preliminary report was published in 1951. Funding from the University of Puerto Rico, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Wenner-Gren Foundation, and the Research Board of the University of Illinois helped to facilitate completion of the final report, published as The People of Puerto Rico: A Study in Social Anthropology.
Sources:
Shimkin, Demetri B. "Julian H. Steward: A Contributor to Fact and Theory in Cultural Anthropology," Process and Patterns in Culture: Essays in Honor of Julian H. Steward. Robert A. Manners, ed. Steward, Julian H., et al, eds. "Preface." The People of Puerto Rico: A Study in Social Anthropology. A Social Science Research Center Study, College of Social Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, University of Illinois Press, 1956 (located at the Reed Foundation). Material from the collection was also used to compose the finding aid.
Arrangement
The Puerto Rico Study Collection has been organized chronologically and arranged into the following series:
- I. Correspondence
- II. Minutes
- III. Interviews
- IV. Journal Entries
- V. Project Reports
- VI. Draft Manuscript Papers
- VII. Miscellaneous Papers
- VIII. Maps
Scope and Contents
The records of the Puerto Rico Project comprise 4.0 linear feet and span the years 1943 to 1951. The bulk of the records, generated between 1947 and 1949, represent a unique, cooperative effort in modern anthropology. The collection includes bilingual correspondence, conference papers, minutes, interviews, journal entries, fieldwork reports, manuscripts, clippings, printed matter, miscellaneous papers, and maps. Descriptive details are included in the scope and content note for each series.
Although the collection represents a small portion of a comprehensive study, the records provide critical insight into the impact of industrialization on the Island's cultural history, demography, land use patterns, economics, race relations, migration, and family kinship structure. The records also highlight the influence of external economic and political forces.
Although critical gaps occur between Nov - Jun 1948, Jun 1949 - 1950, and during the final phase of the Project, Series I details the Project's development and highlights the relationships of the fieldwork team. Series II provides insight into the research structure of the Project with particular emphasis on the development of hypotheses and fieldwork methodology. Although there is some overlap between Series III and Series IV, the records in both series detail day-to-day life in Puerto Rico during the transitional period. Series V consists of field data submitted by and circulated among members of the fieldwork team. These reports helped shape and guide the research methodology.
Although Series VI is incomplete, it sheds light on the way in which the final report was organized. Series VII includes notes, political flyers, brochures and some photographs. A unique set of local and regional maps of Puerto Rico, published prior to the Project, comprise Series VIII.
Two items, formerly housed in RISM's Library for Caribbean Research (LCR), have been appended to the collection. Report on the Selection of a Community for Anthropological Study, a thesis written by Irene Caro, documents fieldwork in Puerto Rico and contains a valuable glossary of common terms in the Spanish language. The second document, Canamelar: The Subculture of a Rural Sugar Plantation Proletariat, written by Sidney Mintz, appears to be a chapter of a larger, unidentified manuscript.
Subjects
Organizations
Genres
People
Topics
Places
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the:
New York University Archives
Elmer Holmes Bobst Library
70 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 998-2646
Fax: (212) 995-4225
E-mail: university-archives@nyu.edu
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Identification of item, Date(s) (if known); The Records of the Puerto Rico Project; RISM RG 3; box number; folder number;
Research Institute for the Study of Man CollectionNew York University ArchivesElmer Holmes Bobst Library70 Washington Square SouthNew York, NY 10012
Location of Materials
Provenance
The Records of the Puerto Rico Project were generated by a team of professional anthropologists under the direction of Dr. Julian H. Steward, chair of the anthropology department at Columbia University. Dr. Steward and other members of the team were professional associates of Dr. Vera D. Rubin, founder and director of the Research Institute for the Study of Man (RISM) and may have transferred the collection to RISM headquarters.
Separated Material
No materials have been removed from the collection.
About this Guide
Edition of this Guide
Repository
Series I: Correspondence, April 1948 - August 1950, undated
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Scope and Contents note
7 folders, arranged chronologically. This series consists of incoming and outgoing letters between fieldworkers in Puerto Rico and field director John Murra in New York.
Correspondence, Apr-Jun 1948
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Correspondence, Jul 1948
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Correspondence, Aug 1948
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Correspondence, Sep 1948
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Correspondence, Oct-Nov 1948
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Correspondence, Jun 1949-Aug 1950
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Correspondence, undated, inclusive
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Series II: Minutes, December 1947 - January 1949
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Scope and Contents note
9 folders, arranged chronologically. This series mainly consists of minutes generated during Project conferences and meetings. The papers, which highlight planning details and methodology of fieldwork investigation, include agendas, minutes, research categories, work plans and notes. Several reports referenced in the minutes are also included.
Typescript minutes, notes, ephemera, Dec 1947-Feb 1948
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Proposed conference agenda, research categories, May 1948
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Minutes, reports, May 1948
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Minutes, community studies form, notes, May 1948-June 1948, undated, inclusive
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Notes (handwritten), May 1948, undated, inclusive
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Typescript minutes, May 1948-Jun 1948, undated, inclusive
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Typescript minutes, notes, Jun 1948-Jul 1948, undated, inclusive
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Typescript and handwritten minutes, Jul 1948
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Project meeting work plan, class taxonomy by community, comparative community data, Jan 1949
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Series III: Interviews, August - October 1948, undated
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5 folders, arranged chronologically. This series consists of typescript field interviews conducted by Sidney Mintz and Charles Rosario, a student at the University of Puerto Rico. Coded to conform the Project hypotheses, the interviews address issues of land reform, labor patterns, race relations, religion, and culture.
Instructions for use of questionnaire, undated, inclusive
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Interviews, Aug 1948
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Interviews, Sep 1984
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Interviews, Oct 1948
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Interview questionnaires (blank), undated, inclusive
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Series IV: Journal Entries, January 1948 - April [1949?]
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Scope and Contents note
Approximately .5 linear feet, arranged chronologically. This series is comprised of bilingual, typescript accounts of field observations that were originally maintained as a journal. Although most of the entries appear to have been submitted by Sidney Mintz and Charles Rosario, the bracketed question marks represent unauthored entries. A small journal kept by Elena Padilla Seda is also included.
Journal Entires - unsigned, Jan 1948
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Descriptive and historic notes related to interviews, entries S. Mintz, Aug-Sep 1948, undated, inclusive
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Journal Entires, S. Mintz, Oct 1948
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Journal Entires, S. Mintz, Oct 1948
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Journal Entires, S. Mintz, Oct 1948
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Journal Entires, C. Rosario, Oct-Nov 1948
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Journal Entires, S. Mintz, Nov 1948
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Journal Entires, S. Mintz, Nov 1948
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Journal Entires, S. Mintz, Dec 1948
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Journal Entires, C. Rosario [?], Dec 1948
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Journal Entires, S. Mintz, Jan 1949
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Journal Entires, C. Rosario [?], Jan 1949
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Journal Entires, C. Rosario [?], Jan 1949
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Journal Entires, C. Rosario [?]; small, partially used journal containing notes and drawings by Elena Padilla Seda, Feb 1948-Aug 1949
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Journal Entires, C. Rosario [?], April [1949?], inclusive
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Series V: Project Reports, 1946 - April 1950
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Scope and Contents note
1.0 linear feet arranged chronologically. This series features a number of typescript reports that have been organized as two subseries. Subseries A details the development of research hypotheses. Subseries B consists of statistical data, community studies and reference maps used in the study. Report titles appear in italics.
Subseries A. Research Methodology
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Correspondence, master lists of hypotheses, May-Jun 1948, undated, inclusive
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Criteria of Organization and Integration, Robert Armstrong, Third Sugar Community--Problem of Selection, Summary of Comparative Data, May 1948, undated, inclusive
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Untitled report regarding research categories; Quantitative data for localities [John Murra?], Nov 1948, undated, inclusive
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Subseries B. Field Research
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Statistical data; Programa De Trabajo [soil conservation map transferred to Series VIII, Oversized Materials], Plan De Trabajo from Distrito De Conservacion De Suelos Oeste, Nov 1946-Nov 1947, inclusive
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Reports on local crops, land use, labor, population, and working conditions organized by research category, Jan 1948, undated, inclusive
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Reports on Palmas Altas [one incomplete]; chilidren's artwork and writings; notes, Jan 1948-May 1949, undated, inclusive
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Information Relative to Selection of Urban Industrial Community, statistical data, printed matter, notes, Apr-May 1948, undated, inclusive
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Conversation with F. Romero Salvatore Consentino, National Labor Review Board (NLRB), and David Sachs, May 1948
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PIP Meeting at Quebradillas, notes, Jun 1948, undated, inclusive
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Special report on race, submitted by S. Mintz and C. Rosario, Aug 1948
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Bi-weekly reports submited by Eric Wolf, Angelina Saavedra de Rosa, Robert Manners and others, Aug-Dec 1948, undated, inclusive
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Some Thinking on National Culture, Eric Wolf: Puerto Rico and a National Culture, Bob Manners, Sep 1948, undated, inclusive
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Costo de Cosecho por Tonelada Marzo 1946 - Zafra 1946, Dec 1948
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Reports on marketing, export crops, standard of living, economics, communications organized by, Jan 1948-Feb 1949 , undated, inclusive
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Draft theses, notes, Mar 1948-Apr 1950
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Concepts and Problems Under-lying Field Research [author unknown], undated, inclusive
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Information Relative to Urban and Industrial Communities in Puerto Rico, undated, inclusive
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Survey Report: Santa Isabel, S. Mintz, undated, inclusive
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Some Temporary Thinking on National Culture as an Area Problem [author unknown], undated, inclusive
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Details to be Observed [relates to children], Kay Wolf, undated, inclusive
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San Jose: A Coffee Growing Community, A Thumbnail Sketch, Eric Wolf, undated, inclusive
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Azucar y Poblacion, [Sidney Mintz?], undated, inclusive
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Aspects and Interpretations of the Development and Function of Religion in Puerto Rico [author unknown], undated, inclusive
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Aspects and Interpretations of the Development and Functioning of Family in Puerto Rico [author unknown], undated, inclusive
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Description Geografica Del Municipo De Caguas, Ramon Granfa Cordova; handwritten notes, undated, inclusive
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Puerto Rico - Government and Politics, Fifty Years of American Rule [author unknown], undated, inclusive
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Summary of Hist. Politics Soc. De P.R. [author unknown], undated, inclusive
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Research notes: Puerto Rico's government and political party system, undated, inclusive
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Research citations, The U.S. and P.R., Trial by Jury, The Civil Service System, undated, inclusive
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Research citations, The Study of Society, draft notes, undated, inclusive
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The Local Upper Class [author unknown], draft notes, undated, inclusive
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Discussion of Characteristics, Barrio Pozas [author unknown]; miscellaneous, incomplete reports, undated, inclusive
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Series VI: Draft Manuscript Papers, 1948 - 1950, undated
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Scope and Contents note
Approximately .75 linear feet (1 AB, four folders), arranged chronologically. This series consists of a draft manuscript, that may represent efforts to organize the final report. Sequentially numbered and coded to conform to the Project hypotheses (see Series V. Project Reports, subseries a. Research Methodology), the manuscript is a compilation of journal entries, interviews and community studies. The following sections are missing: pp. 124 - 235, 236 - 304, 563 - 734, and 1412 - 1571.
Draft Manuscripts: Introductory material, 1948-1949[?], inclusive
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Draft Manuscripts: pp. 447 - 476, Oct 1948
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Draft Manuscripts: pp. 477 - 493, Oct 1948
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Draft Manuscripts: pp. 494 - 527, Oct 1948
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Draft Manuscripts: pp. 528 - 562, Oct 1948
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Draft Manuscripts: [Note: Fieldwork in Norcora], genealogical chart, pp. 946 - 1006, Jan 1949
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Draft Manuscripts: pp. 1007 - 1063, Jan 1949
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Draft Manuscripts: pp. 1064 - 1100, Feb 1949
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Draft Manuscripts: pp. 1101 - 1162, Feb 1949
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Draft Manuscripts: pp. 1288 - 1367, Apr 1949
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Draft Manuscripts: Memo from JHS [Julian H. Steward] manuscript outline, Jul 1950
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Series VII: Miscellaneous Papers, Dec 1943; 1947 - Feb 1949, undated
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Scope and Contents note
.5 linear feet (1 AB). Arranged chronologically. This series contains varied materials, including printed matter, theatre advertisements, a photograph contact sheet and ephemera. Items of special interest include a form letter signed by former Puerto Rico governor Luis Munoz and political flyers.
Form letter signed by former Governor Luis Munoz Marin, Dec. 1943
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Anthrolopogy-Sociology class calendar; outline, bibliography; essay on folk society, notes, 1947, inclusive
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Programs for Teatro Taboas and Teatro Boringuen in Manati, Puerto Rico, Jun 1948-Jul 1948
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Political flyers for Partido Independista Puertorriqueno in Cauguas, Puerto Rico; related voting material, Sep 1948 , undated, inclusive
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Brochures and print material detailing cooperative credit unions in Puerto Rico, undated, inclusive
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Photo Contact sheet of children in urban setting, undated, inclusive
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Notes, undated, inclusive
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Notes, undated, inclusive
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Series VIII: Maps, Mar 1944 - May 1946, undated
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Scope and Contents note
1.0 linear feet (2 folders, 1 oversized box), arranged according to size. The oversized material in this series includes government, regional and land use maps of Puerto Rico. Hand drawn maps of local communities are also included.
Municipo Del Hormigueros, topographical map prepared by the Dept. of Interior, May 1946
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Barcode
31142042275951
Junta de Planificacion de Puerto Rico; hand drawn map of the General Configuration of the Agrarian Reform Society, undated, inclusive
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Barcode
31142042275951
Oeste SC District Map, U.S. Dept. of Conservation Service, undated, inclusive
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Barcode
31142042275977
Municipo De Camuy, U.S. Geological Survey and the Dept. of the Interior, May 1946
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Barcode
31142042275977
Hand drawn map of sugar cane farms, undated, inclusive
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Barcode
31142042275977
Hand drawn map of Ciales, undated, inclusive
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Barcode
31142042275977
Censo de Transito [Traffic Map] of Puerto Rico, Dept. of the Interior, Mar 1944
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Barcode
31142042275977
Geographical survey maps of Florida and Ciales, Puerto Rico, 1946, inclusive
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Barcode
31142042275977
Land Use Map of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Planning Board, Jun 1944
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Barcode
31142042275977
Appendix
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Scope and Contents note
Two additional monographs, a thesis and manuscript, formerly housed in the Library for Caribbean Research (LCR) at the Research Institute for the Study of Man, have been appended to the collection. These items provide document the fieldwork phase of the Project.
