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Gordon Burghardt papers

 Collection — Box: 1-11
Identifier: 123.3589

The papers document the career of animal play scholar Gordon M. Burghardt. The collection is arranged into three series in Burghardt's original order. Series I is comprised of extensive research files and correspondence relating to play behavior in animals compiled by Burghardt. Series II pertains to the writing and publication of Burghardt's 2005 book, The Genesis of Animal Play: Testing the Limits and other publications. Series III contains materials from conferences that Burghardt attended. The collection includes articles, correspondence, conference materials, drafts, and notes. The materials consist of printed materials, photocopies, photographs, CDs, and floppy disks. The materials date from 1709 to 2023 with the bulk dating from 1970 to 2010.

Dates

  • 1709-2023
  • Majority of material found within 1970-2010

Creator

Language of Materials

The materials are in English with some instances of German.

Conditions Governing Access

The papers include one folder of restricted materials that has been removed from the unrestricted folders. The remainder of the collection is open for research use by staff of The Strong and users of its library and archive.

Conditions Governing Use

Though the donor has not transferred intellectual property rights (including, but not limited to any copyright, trademark, and associated rights therein) to The Strong, they have given permission for The Strong to make copies in all media for museum, educational, and research purposes.

Extent

11.0 Linear Feet (10 record cartons, 1 legal size box, and 1 restricted folder)

Overview

The Gordon Burghardt papers include extensive research files relating to play behavior in animals, Burghardt's writings, including his 2005 book, The Genesis of Animal Play, and conferences attended by Burghardt. The collection includes articles, correspondence, conference materials, drafts, and notes. The materials consist of printed materials, photocopies, photographs, CDs, and floppy disks. The materials date from 1709 to 2023 with the bulk dating from 1970 to 2010.

Biographical Note

Gordon M. Burghardt is an Alumni Distinguished Service Professor in the departments of Psychology and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee. Burghardt received his Ph.D. in Biopsychology in 1966 from the University of Chicago. His research focus has been on comparative studies of behavioral development in reptiles. He has held leadership positions in multiple professional organizations and served as editor for numerous publications. He is the author of The Genesis of Animal Play: Testing the Limits (MIT Press, 2005) which examines the origins and evolution of play in humans and animals. Burghardt retired in 2022 and continues his contributions in the field with editing, publishing, and serving on several committees. In 2024, Burghardt's achievements were honored by the Animal Behavior Society with the Distinguished Animal Behaviorist Award.

System of Arrangement

Series I: Reference, 1709-2023

Series II: Publications, 1969-2015

Series II: Conferences, 1970-2019

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The Gordon Burghardt papers were donated to The Strong in October 2023 as a gift from Gordon M. Burghardt. The papers were accessioned by The Strong under 123.3589. The papers were received from Gordon Burghardt in 7 boxes.

Processed by

Laura Boland, 2024.
Title
Guide to the Gordon Burghardt Papers, 1709-2023—
Status
completed
Author
Laura Boland
Date
December 2024
Description rules
dacs
Language of description
English

Repository Details

Part of the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play at The Strong Repository

Contact:
The Strong
One Manhattan Square
Rochester NY 14607 USA
585.263.2700
585.423.1886 (Fax)