The Neva Whaley Harding Papers, curated by Jane Alexander, offer a comprehensive exploration of Neva's life, family heritage, and community engagement. The collection is composed of various mediums like manuscripts, correspondence, interviews, certificates, diplomas, and audio recordings, providing insights into Neva's life from her formative years to later life stages.
This collection documents the personal, academic, and domestic history of Neva M. Whaley Harding—a South Dakota homesteader, educator, and writer—and her husband, Albert Spencer Harding. Topics covered include personal experiences, family history, genealogy, education, community involvement, and social issues. Materials include autobiographical writings, manuscript drafts, photographs, certificates, and a substantial body of correspondence with family, friends, and historians.
Of particular value are interviews recorded on open reel audiotape, which delve into Neva’s personality, philosophy, and life experiences, including reflections on events such as the Great Depression and the World Wars. Her manuscript I Recall Pioneer Days in South Dakota and associated research and editorial materials provide first-person insight into settler life and rural womanhood. The collection also includes documents from Neva and Albert’s time at South Dakota Agricultural College, illuminating aspects of college life in the early 20th century.
Through Jane Alexander's efforts, the collection serves as a testament to Neva's legacy and her influence on both her family and her broader community. It offers valuable primary source material for researchers studying women's history, South Dakota heritage, and intergenerational memory.
