The work of arranging and describing the Clyde W. Tombaugh Papers was begun in early 2001. This project was supported by grants from the American Institute of Physics and the New Mexico Historical Records Advisory Board.
The original project staff was led by project archivist Marah deMeule, with help from processing assistant Christine Moreland-Bruhnke and student assistants Nancy Shockley and Cassandra Begay. After a survey of the approximately 150 linear feet of material, a preliminary series organization was established, and the work of arranging two series, Personal Papers and Professional Papers, was begun. Also during this time, Herb Beebe of the NMSU Department of Astronomy conducted an oral history project to record interviews with family, friends, and colleagues of Clyde Tombaugh.
In March 2003, project archivist Melissa Gottwald began work on the Clyde W. Tombaugh Papers. The preliminary organization was refined, and the work of arranging the papers was continued. A finding aid describing the Tombaugh Papers has also been prepared, providing biographical information on Tombaugh as well as an overview of the collection and a detailed inventory of the papers. In addition, library specialist Lenny Silverman was responsible for describing the photographic images in a searchable database.
The success of the project has been greatly enhanced by the cooperation of the Tombaugh family. Throughout the project, family members have provided supplementary information about specific items, and the family has been instrumental in identifying additional material to be included in the collection.
Tombaugh Papers and processing project (University news release, 2 May 2001)
Reception honoring Tombaugh Family (University news release, 2 March 2001; Library news release, 2001)
New Mexico Historical Records Advisory Board (NMHRAB) grant received (University news release, 6 April 2001; Library news release, 2001)
American Institute of Physics (AIP) grant received (University news release, 6 November 2001; Library news release, 2001)
