Description
This collection consists of biographical information, press clippings, correspondence,
reports, lectures, research notes, and a handwritten manuscript on Greece.
Background
Dr. Hazel D. Hansen (1899-1962) was a native of San Mateo, studied at Stanford, received
her Bachelor's degree in 1920 and her Master's degree in 1921. Her Master's thesis was a
"Study of the Persians of Aeschylus." From 1922 to 1925 she continued her graduate studies
at the American School of Classical Studies, Athens, Greece. After her return to Stanford
she earned her Ph.D. degree in 1926 with a thesis "Early Civilization in Thessaly." A book
with the same title was published in 1933. A. T. Murray, known for his translation of Homer,
was her inspiring teacher; and in later years she worked with him as a collaborator. The
year 1927-28 was spent again in Greece; that year she held the Alice Freeman Palmer
Fellowship of the American Association of University Women. After her return to Stanford in
1928, she became an Instructor in the Department of Classics, in 1931 she became Assistant
Professor and in 1935 Associate Professor. Her promotion to full professor in 1940 was based
on her recognized standing among the classical archaeologists, especially in the field of
Aegean prehistory. At that time Dr. Hansen was already deeply involved in a project which
remained unfinished when she died: "The Early Civilization in Skyros." Skyros is a small
island in the Aegean Sea, where she spent many summers cataloguing the excavated material
(vases, bones, etc.). The Greek government recognized her efforts, made her an honorary
Greek citizen, and gave her permission to publish her findings. Later the Archaeological
Service of the Greek Ministry requested that she write a guidebook for the Skyros Museum.
The American School of Classical Studies in Athens appreciated the work of the former
student; she was invited to teach there in her sabbatical year 1956-57. She became a member
of the managing committee of the School and served on its executive committee for several
years.
Restrictions
While University Archives is the owner of the physical and/or digital items, permission to
examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made
available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction
beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or
assigns.
Availability
Materials are open for research use.