Collection Guide
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Eastman (Ralph and Jennie) papers
M2349
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Ralph and Jennie Eastman papers
creator:
Eastman, Amos Ralph, 1874-1936
creator:
Eastman, Jennie Martha Topping, 1879-1958
Identifier/Call Number: M2349
Physical Description:
4 Linear Feet
(8 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1893-1936
Abstract: Correspondence and other material related to American educators working in the Philippines in the early 20th century.
Amos Ralph Eastman and Genevieve “Jennie” Martha Topping Eastman were two of a group of about five hundred teachers sent by
the United States government to the Philippines in 1901 during the colonial period as part of a project to change the country's
social, political, and economic life by way of educational reforms. These so-called “Thomasites," named for the ship they
arrived on, were the precursors of today’s Peace Corps volunteers, and are credited with turning the Philippines into the
third largest English-speaking nation in the world. Throughout their time in the islands, they kept up a steady correspondence
with family in Michigan that provide a look at the early period of American colonialism in the Philippines.
Primarily written correspondence between Ralph and Jennie Eastman and their families. Sympathy notes upon Ralph’s death. Photographs,
drawings, ephemera. Jointly kept manuscript diary kept in the Philippines, classroom notebooks, attendance roll books, geography
notes, one issue of on-board ship newspaper published by the teachers.
Collection preserves order given by seller, arranged by date and correspondent and separated into Philippine and non-Philippine
material.
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and 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.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Philippines -- History -- 1898-1946.
Education -- Philippines -- History
Teachers -- Philippines
Eastman, Amos Ralph, 1874-1936
Eastman, Jennie Martha Topping, 1879-1958