U.S. National Fungus Collections Topical Files

The U.S. National Fungus Collections is a mycological institution that includes the world’s largest herbarium of dried fungus specimens, together with technical reference literature and data files, published reprints, and historical records. The Collections serve as a base for research and service in national and international mycology and plant pathology.

The Topical Files contain historical records assembled largely by John A. Stevenson during his 33 years of service (1927-1960) as director of the U.S. National Fungus Collections. These materials reflect the history of American mycology and plant pathology and the relationship to the development of the U.S. National Fungus Collections in the 19th-20th century. These files include correspondence; biographical information; unpublished manuscripts; information on scientific meetings, other herbaria, associations and societies, mycological and phytopathological data, photographs, and field and laboratory records. Many prominent American mycologists and plant pathologists are represented, including: L. von Schweinitz, H. Ravenel, C. H. Peck, P. Spaulding, J. B. Ellis, C. L. Shear, L. C. C. Krieger, G. L. Zundel, G. W. Carver, E. E. Morse, R. K. Beattie, W. H. Long, E. K. Cash, A. G. Johnson, and A. E. Jenkins. Specific subject areas represented include: botanical nomenclature, barberry eradication, chestnut blight disease, Wollenweber's Fusarium studies, International Botanical Congresses, historical studies of the USDA as well as correspondence and reports of the National Fungus Collections.