The Gerald L. French Photograph Collection documents the San Jose State College West Coast Nature School held in Death Valley in 1958. The early field school took place in Big Basin in 1931. Several San Jose State College natural science professors lead the program, which became known as the Field Studies in Natural History program. The program is focused on the study of geology, history, and the flora and fauna of the region. The Field Studies in Natural History program remains an active and popular study program today at SJSU. Gerald L. French, a San Jose State College student, attended the program in 1958. He documented the activities, events, and the participants. The collection consists of 42 black and white ink jet contact prints, 4x5 negatives, and 27 color slides. Images of note include views of Titus Canyon, the Borax Works, Scotty's Castle, and Ubehebe crater.

The West Coast Nature School Nature Study began in 1931 and was created by two science department professors, Dr. Hazeltine, instructor of Nature Studies and Dr. Pickwell, professor of Natural Science. The first study site took place at Big Basin State Park in 1931, followed by program sites in Asilomar State Park, Sequoia National Park, Death Valley National Park, and other sites throughout California. This program is currently offered at San Jose State University during the summer session and is called the Field Studies in Natural History. Gerald L. French, a San Jose State College student (BS 1960) photographed the 1958 field trip to Death Valley and in 2008 he donated his collection of contact prints, negative, and slides.

1 box, 1.04 linear feet

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