Manuscripts

Gallaudet University Archives

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No: MSS 175
Creator:
Title: Papers of Regina Olson Hughes, 1936-1991
Quantity: 2 linear feet (4 document boxes)
Abstract: This collection consists of articles, awards, biography, correspondence, exhibitions, publications, and sketches.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: The Papers of Regina Olson Hughes was donated to the Gallaudet University Archives by Rosemary Spencer, a niece of Regina O. Hughes, on August 20, 1993.
Processed by: Michael J. Olson, 2009 March 13.
Processing Note:
Conditions on Use and Access: This collection is open to the public with no restrictions. Photocopies may be made for scholarly research.

Related Material in the Archives

Photographs

• Regina O. Hughes [picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Portraits
• Various Photograph Albums. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Photograph Album

Films

• Dedication of Hughes Memorial Gymnasium (II) [motion picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Film
• Troy Hill [motion picture]. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: Deaf Film

Manuscripts

• Papers, Regina Mary Olson Hughes. Gallaudet University Archives, Call Number: MSS 107

Biographical Sketch

Regina Olson Hughes was born February 1, 1895 in Herman, Nebraska. She came to Washington, DC in 1914 where she attended Gallaudet College, graduated in 1918. Following her graduation, she worked as a translator at the State Department. At one time, she taught at the Mississippi School for the Deaf from 1919 to 1920. From 1925 until 1969, she was employed by the United States Department of Agricultural as a botanical illustrator.

After retiring from government service, Dr. Hughes served as the resident illustrator in the Smithsonian Institution's Botany Department until 1990. She received many awards during her career, including an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Gallaudet University in 1967. A plant, a genus and species of orchid, Hughesia reginae was named in her honor. Her exhibits of art works were displayed in the museums and art galleries as well as her drawings and illustrations of plants that appeared in many official publications.

Dr. Hughes was married to Dr. Frederick H. Hughes, Class of 1913, who passed away in 1956. She died in Washington, DC on August 12, 1993.

Scope and Content

The papers of Regina Olson Hughes consists of 4 document boxes (3 boxes on papers and 1 box on photographs) for a total of 2 linear feet and approximately 2,000 pages. The materials within the collection range from 1936 to 1991 with the majority of content between 1960s and 1970s. The bulk of the collection is publications are publications that contain Regina O. Hughes' illustrations of plants and weeds as well as her sketches. Some of the books contain her illustrations on weeds and plants have been transferred to the library's Deaf Collection. There is some correspondence related to her exhibitions of her art works. Her magnifying glasses and stand and her graduation hoods has been transferred to a museum storage room.

Folder Lists

Photographs List