Inventory of the Society of American Foresters Records, 1907 – 2004
Descriptive Summary
Abstract: The Society of American Foresters (SAF) was founded by Gifford Pinchot in 1900. The organization's stated objective was “to further the cause of forestry in America by fostering a spirit of comradeship among foresters; by creating opportunities for a free interchange of views upon forestry and allied subjects; and by disseminating a knowledge of the purpose and achievements of forestry.” SAF would grow to become the leading professional organization for foresters in the United States.
The records contain correspondence and reference files concerning Society administration, elections, and membership; files on forestry education; materials relating to the publication of the Journal of Forestry; timber and forestry conferences; Society committees; surveys of industrial forestry; ethics; surveys of state forestry administration; internal debates; the accreditation of forestry schools; employment in the forestry profession; Society's regional sections and chapters; membership files; and much more. Prominently represented include Herman Haupt Chapman, Raphael Zon, Christopher Mabley Granger, and various Society officials. Also included are papers of Samuel T. Dana, dealing chiefly with forestry education. (View full pdf inventory.)
Title: Society of American Foresters Records, 1907 - 2004
Creator: Society of American Foresters
Call Number: 3461
Repository: Forest History Society Library and Archives
Language of Material: Material in English
Extent: 458.5 linear feet (233 record cartons, 218 archival boxes)
Historical Note
On November 30, 1900, Gifford Pinchot asked seven professional foresters to join him in his office at the Department of Agriculture. The result of that gathering was the formation of the Society of American Foresters. The organization's objective was “to further the cause of forestry in America by fostering a spirit of comradeship among foresters; by creating opportunities for a free interchange of views upon forestry and allied subjects; and by disseminating a knowledge of the purpose and achievements of forestry.” Pinchot served as the Society’s first President from 1900 to 1908 and then again from 1910 to 1911.
SAF would grow to become the leading professional organization for foresters in the United States. The Journal of Forestry was first published by SAF in 1917; in 1935 SAF began the accreditation of forestry programs; and in 1994 SAF created the Certified Forester program.
Collection Overview
The records contain correspondence and reference files concerning Society administration, elections, and membership; files on forestry education; materials relating to the publication of the Journal of Forestry; timber and forestry conferences; Society committees; surveys of industrial forestry; ethics; surveys of state forestry administration; internal debates; the accreditation of forestry schools; employment in the forestry profession; Society's regional sections and chapters; membership files; and much more. Prominently represented include Herman Haupt Chapman, Raphael Zon, Christopher Mabley Granger, and various Society officials. Also included are papers of Samuel T. Dana, dealing chiefly with forestry education.
Collection Arrangement
1. Early History, 1907-1966
2. Papers of Samuel T. Dana, SAF President 1925-1926
3. Files Shipped to FHS in 1971, 1924-1966
4. Files of Clyde S. Martin, SAF President 1948-1950
5. National, State and Educational Meetings, 1924-1973
6. Associated Organizations, 1956-1984
7. Cartons Recieved from SAF, 1995-2004
Subject Headings
- Chapman, Herman Haupt, 1874-1963
- Dana, Samuel Trask, 1883-
- Forestry education
- Forests and forestry -- Congresses
- Granger, Christopher Mabley
- Society of American Foresters
- United States. Forest Service
- Zon, Raphael, 1874-1956
Detailed Description of the Collection
