Jump to Content

Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Guide to the Helen Chamlee Collection MS 303
MS 303  
View entire collection guide What's This?
Search this collection
Collection Overview
 
Table of contents What's This?
Description
This collection contains the personal papers, written works, and subject files of Helen Chamlee, a botanist at the San Diego Natural History Museum in the 1970s.
Background
Born Helen Vallejo in 1908, Chamlee was a native San Diegan who was dedicated to botany, especially native species. A graduate of San Diego State University, she joined the staff at the San Diego Natural History Museum in 1969. After seven years in the Botany Department, Chamlee transferred to the Educational Activities Department and remained there for the duration of her career. She led countless field trips to parks, mountains, and deserts of the region, gave lectures on native plants, participated in workshops, seminars, and trainings. She developed at least 14 nature trails in San Diego County. Perhaps her greatest achievement while at the Natural History Museum was securing Florida Canyon in Balboa Park as a native plant preserve. She is also responsible for creating the museum’s naturalist guide group, the Canyoneers.
Extent
4.5 Linear feet (9 boxes)
Restrictions
The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.
Availability
This collection is open for research.