There is a History of Native American writing, speaking, and public engagement that is not broadly known.

NEED

pROBLEM

AIM

In August 2013, the Archives & Special Collections of Amherst College purchased the private collection of Pablo Eisenberg of nearly 1,500 books written by Native American authors. Since then, Amherst College Archives & Special Collections has actively and intentionally built a collection of books, newspapers, and other printed materials authored by Native American writers, artists, and creators of all kinds. The Collection has expanded to more than 3,500 books, ranging from sermons published in the 18th century to comic books and zines published this year. Books are acquired through purchase and gift; we strive to acquire material directly from authors, tribal communities, and Native-owned bookstores whenever possible.

From the beginning, it was clear that these books belonged to larger networks and this site represents multiple ways of visualizing and engaging those networks of authors, communities, and stories. Through collaboration with faculty and students in the Five Colleges as well as tribal historians, librarians and other community members in New England, we continue to explore ways to represent the collection that go beyond the bounds of traditional cataloging.