Norma J. Linton Papers, ca. 1903-2022 | University of Illinois Archives

Papers of Norma Linton, 1939-2024 (B.A. Psychology, Rutgers University, 1962; M.A. Anthropology, University of Illinois, 1979; M.S. Library and Information Science, University of Illinois, 1997; PhD Library and Information Science, 2009). This collection documents Linton’s academic career and research projects (including Chief Illiniwek, university homecomings, mascots, and with Native American communities), experiences while travelling in the United States and Europe, research and social life with the Crow Tribe, and personal life. Contents include: academic papers and notes, correspondence, film, interviews (recordings and transcripts), news clippings and publicity, photographs and slides, posters, scrapbooks, and objects likely purchased at museum gift shops.

Series One contains fieldwork and research material, which includes: interviews, correspondence, newspaper clippings and publicity material, photographs and slides, and research notes. Contents document Linton’s decades-spanning independent project, as she described: “research on college rituals and festivals, particularly those related to athletic contests. Examine: the symbolic meaning of sports’ mascots; dramaturgical displays of Homecoming and TailGreat festivals; the history and meaning of traditional symbols of the University of Illinois; the development of Homecoming in the Big Ten Universities” (source: normalinton.wordpress.com/cv/).

Series Two contains Linton’s subject files about school and sport mascots, the use of Native American caricatures as mascots, and general/reference information about mascots. Contents document types of mascots used at various schools and universities, the use and discontinuation of Native American caricatures as mascots, sports fandom, and mascot themes.

Series Three contains academic notes and writing, correspondence, Crow language books and instructional material, Crow Tribe and Reservation documents, news clippings, photographs and slides, scrapbooks, and a film. Contents document Linton’s anthropological research with the Crow Tribe under the auspices of the Doris Duke Indian Oral History Program grant from 1967-1972 (see Doris Duke Indian Oral History Program Archives, 1908-1995, Record Series 15/2/32, University of Illinois Archives) and after, Crow adoption ceremonies, Crow Fair, Crow bilingual education, Little Bighorn Battlefield, and Linton’s social life with her Crow friends and adopted family. Contents in part or whole of Subseries One, Three, and Five are restricted as of May 2026, pending review from consultants of the Crow Tribe.

Series Four contains correspondence, museum publications and tourism information, news clippings and newsletters, photographs, posters, and transcripts. Contents document Native American museums and themed exhibits, the occupation of Wounded Knee, Dickson Mounds, Native American newspapers, representations of Native Americans in commercial and pop-culture, and Linton’s research and social activities with Native American communities and individuals. Some contents of Subseries One are restricted as of May 2026, pending review from consultants of Ho-Chunk Nation.

Series Five contains academic records, correspondence, personal writings, photographs, and scrapbooks. Contents document Linton’s travels (including in Turkey, Europe, and Japan), academic achievements, and the death and commemoration of her son, Forest.