Manuscript Group 395
DONALD H. KENT COLLECTION
[ca. 1937-1975]
12 cubic feet
Donald Harris Kent (b. May 2, 1910-d. July 6, 1986) was the Director of the Bureau
of Archives and History of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission from
1961-1975. Dr. Kent was born May 2, 1910 in Erie, Pennsylvania and received a
B.A. in History from Allegheny College, in 1931. He was an instructor in History,
Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, 1934-1935; teacher of history, East
High School, Erie, Pennsylvania, 1936-1937; Historian, Frontier Forts and Trails
Survey, 1937-1940; Assistant State Historian, Pennsylvania Historical Commission,
1940-1945; Associate State Historian, PHMC, 1945-1956; and Chief of the Division
of Research and Publications, PHMC, 1956-1961. His professional activities included:
Assistant Executive Secretary, Pennsylvania Federation of Historical Societies;
Editor, Pennsylvania History; Member of Council and Member of the Publications
Committee, Pennsylvania Historical Association; Member of the Board of Directors
and Treasurer, Pennsylvania Folklore Society; and expert witness for the Government,
May, 1958, in cases entitled Seneca Nation v. United States, Docket No. 342-A,
Tonawanda Band of Senecas v. United States, Docket No. 368-A, and Six Nations
v. United States, Docket No. 344, before the Indian Claims Commission.
