Academics
Areas of Study

MSS 175

Hughes, Regina Olson, 1895 – 1993

Papers of Regina Olson Hughes, 1936 – 1991

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

Box Folder Title of Folder Date
01 01 Articles on Regina O. Hughes 1956-1991
01 02 Awards & Certificates 1961-1989
01 03 Biography of Regina O. Hughes 1970-1972
01 04 Booklet – Portal to the plains – A History of Washington Co., Nebraska 1974
01 05 Catalogue of Orchid Paintings n.d.
01 06 Clippings on Lake Annecy in France 1968-1977
01 07 Correspondence – Deborah Shaine re: Exhibit at Gallaudet 1978
01 08 Exhibition – The Art of Regina Hughes 1972
01 09 Exhibitions on Regina O. Hughes art works 1969-1982
01 10 Honor Awards Ceremony from U.S. Dept. of Agriculture 1962
01 11 Honorary Degree from Gallaudet College 1967
01 12 Letters 1937-1988
01 13 List of weed drawings n.d.
01 14 Newspaper clippings contain Regina O. Hughes’ art works 1963-1983
01 15 Notes n.d.
01 16 Notes on mixing colors for painting n.d.
01 17 Partial List of Publications Illustrated by Regina O. Hughes 1942-1979
01 18 Postcards n.d.
01 19 Price List of Paintings by Regina O. Hughes 1978
01 20 Publications – Scientific Illustrated by Regina O. Hughes 1941-1948
01 21 Publications – Scientific Illustrated by Regina O. Hughes 1954-1959
01 22 Publications – Scientific Illustrated by Regina O. Hughes 1960-1963
02 01 Publications – Scientific Illustrated by Regina O. Hughes 1964-1965
02 02 Publications – Scientific Illustrated by Regina O. Hughes 1966-1969
02 03 Publications – Scientific Illustrated by Regina O. Hughes 1970-1971
02 04 Publications – Scientific Illustrated by Regina O. Hughes 1972-1974
02 05 Publications – Scientific Illustrated by Regina O. Hughes 1975-1977
02 06 Publications – Scientific Illustrated by Regina O. Hughes 1978
02 07 Publications – Scientific Illustrated by Regina O. Hughes 1979-1993
03 01 Sketches – Case against Trans – Pacific Dispersal of the Coconut by Ocean Currents 1971
03 02 Sketches – Tentative Taxonomic & Nomenclatural Treatment of Alfalfas in the Plant… 1974
03 03 Sketches by Regina O. Hughes 1955-1976
03 04 Sketches by Regina O. Hughes for E. E. Terrell 1978-1989
03 05 Sketches of plants (copies) n.d.
03 06 Sketchbooks 1966-1972
03 07 Species – Hughesia Reginae 1980
03 08 Travels – Russia – booklets 1965
03 09 Travels – Russia – booklets 1965

Photographs List

Box Title Date
01 Awards 1962-1967
01 Birthday Party 1992
01 Christmas Party 1989-1990
01 Exhibit on Hughes – Orchid paintings 1982
01 Exhibitions on Hughes paintings at National Agricultural Library 1972
01 Faculty of Gallaudet College n.d.
01 Flower heads 1967-1968
01 Flowers – Bob’s Cymbidium Orchids 1984
01 Kentucky bluegrass 1957
01 Leaves n.d.
01 Paintings – colors n.d.
01 Paintings – colors n.d.
01 Paintings of seeds n.d.
01 Plant – Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) (not by Regina O. Hughes) 1923-1924
01 Plans Parts 1978-1980
01 Plant Parts n.d.
01 Plant Parts n.d.
01 Portraits of Regina O. Hughes 1936-1979
01 Seeds 1940’s
01 Seeds 1940’s
01 Seeds 1970’s
01 Slides n.d.
01 Travels 1966-1973
01 Weeds 1970’s
01 Weeds 1970’s

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