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E. W. Pfeiffer Papers, 1937-2004

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Pfeiffer, E. W. (Egbert Wheeler), 1915-2004
Title
E. W. Pfeiffer Papers
Dates
1937-2004 (inclusive)
Quantity
2.0 linear feet
Collection Number
Mss 904
Summary
E. W. "Bert" Pfeiffer was a University of Montana professor of zoology and environmental studies from 1959-1987. He was an internationally recognized scientist known for his research on the effects of radioactive fallout from nuclear testing in the United States and the environmental impact of war in Vietnam and Cambodia during the Vietnam War. This collection contains subject files and correspondence documenting some of Pfeiffer's foreign and domestic research and activism.
Repository
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions

Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana-Missoula.

Languages
English., French.
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Biographical Note

Egbert ‘Bert’ Wheeler Pfeiffer was born May 23, 1915, in New York City, New York. During World War II Pfeiffer joined the U.S. Marine Corps eventually achieving the rank of captain. Following the war, Pfeiffer earned an M.A. in wildlife biology from the University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of California Berkley. He married his wife Jean Sutherland in 1949.

Pfeiffer was a University of Montana professor of zoology and environmental studies from 1959-1987. He was an internationally recognized scientist known for his research on the effects of radioactive fallout from nuclear testing in the United States and the environmental impact of war in Vietnam and Cambodia during the Vietnam War. Pfeiffer’s research on the use of chemical and biological weapons has been noted as influential to the passage of the nuclear test ban treaty in 1963. His activism earned him the contempt of the United States government during the Cold War. Pfeiffer passed away in 2004, at the age of 88.

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Content Description

This collection contains materials related to Dr. E. W. Pfeiffer's research in the United States and Indochina. The majority of the collection focuses on Vietnam and the impacts of chemical and biological weapons on the native people, plants, animals, and ecosystem. It also contains materials related to his research and investigation into U.S. Military involvement in Cambodia and his domestic research and activism surrounding the environmental and health concerns tied to nuclear weapons tests and the resulting radioactive fallout. The collection is mainly comprised of correspondence but also includes news clippings, reports, publications, photographs, notes, congressional hearings, press releases and other materials related to Pfeiffer's diverse body of work.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes.

Preferred Citation

E. W. Pfeiffer Papers, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in two series

Series I: Correspondence, 1967-1998, 1.0 linear foot

Series II: Research and Activism, 1937-1990, 1.0 linear foot

Custodial History

The E. W. Pfeiffer Papers were donated to the University of Montana Archives and Special Collection by Bert Pfeiffer’s wife, Jean Pfeiffer.

Acquisition Information

This collection was donated to the University of Montana in 2009.

Processing Note

During processing, original order was maintained wherever possible. Folder titles that did not reflect the folder’s contents have been renamed. Loose materials were placed in folders and folder titles assigned based on content.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Finding aid prepared by Patrick Swart

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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