About
“Writing is the only thing that when I do it, I don’t feel I should be doing something else.” –Gloria Steinem
My name is Natalia Vogeikoff-Brogan – archivist, archaeologist, historian, wife and mother. These are pages from my notebook.
I studied Classical Archaeology in Greece (University of Thessaloniki) and the United States (Bryn Mawr College), and have conducted field work in East Crete for many years. Since 1994, I have served the American School of Classical Studies at Athens as head of its archives, from which I draw inspiration for most of my writings in this blog. Together with Jack L. Davis, I recently co-edited a volume titled Philhellenism, Philanthropy, or Political Convenience? American Archaeology in Greece, Hesperia 82:1, Princeton 2013. Jack, Vivian Florou, and I have just published another edited volume, titled Carl W. Blegen: Personal and Archaeological Narratives (Atlanta: Lockwood Press 2015). The book is available at: http://www.amazon.com/Carl-W-Blegen-Archaelogical-Narratives/dp/1937040224/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409506771&sr=1-4&keywords=vogeikoff
“From the Archivist’s Notebook” appears once a month, occasionally twice, if there is a guest contribution.
Here you will also will find essays contributed by guest authors who are involved in similar kinds of archival research: viz., the history of institutions and the role of individual agency in them. These essays will include their musings on books, articles, and exhibition catalogs relevant to their research interests. Guest bloggers include Jack Davis, Jacquelyn Clements, Vivian Florou, Alexandra Kankeleit, Clayton Lehmann, Despina Lalaki, Dylan Rogers, and Curtis Runnels, to mention a few (see Authors).
Finally, opinions in From the Archivist’s Notebook are those of the authors. Comments are moderated, but publication of a comment does not indicate an endorsement of the opinions expressed.
From the Archivist's Notebook 
Fascinating and mesmerizing, so many treasures to peruse.
perhaps you can help me.
My name is David Payne and I am writing to you in regards to a manuscript found some years ago in a basket, here in Canada.
It was written around the late 1940’s by a Canadian, name unknown, about his travels in Iran and mentions a meeting with Nilla Cook along with many other persons of note.
Please write me back and I will try to email you some photos of his notes.
I would love to find out who this person is / was and return this manuscript to him.
Dave Payne
379 Wenlock Ave.
Richmond Hill, Ontario,
Canada L4C 1N1
Tel. 905-883-9809
Thank you for this information David. I believe that Nilla Cook has written an autobiography. Perhaps you can identify the person you are looking for in Nilla’s book. You can find my e-mail through the American School’s web page if you would like to send me photos of the ms.
Dear Archivist!I found your blog by chance a couple of years ago and it has never disappointed me.It fills me with wistful nostalgia for Athens and Greece which I left in the middle 70’s and for the Gennadios that I would visit in the late 60’s ,while training in the Evangelismos,for its treasures and for its peaceful and delightful garden,an oasis in overbuilt Athens.It is beautifully written and full of truly fascinating details.Your dedication and efforts are appreciated and I look forward to hopefully many years of reading and enjoyment!
Best regards!
Michael Karathanos
Thank you very much for your kind words. I am very happy to read that my blog is reaching out beyond the borders of the archaeological community (or the gates of the American School). The next story will be about doll making (κούκλες) and the Near East Industries after 1922. Best, Natalia Vogeikoff-Brogan
Dear Archivist!I hope that it is not too presumptuous to guess that you may have any connection to Russia.I do not even know if you are Orthodox.Well,If you are,I noted that this past Saturday was St Natalia’s Feast day.So happy name day! If all this is irrelevant ,please pardon the intrusion!
Best regards!
Thank you for remembering my nameday. Yes, my grandfather was Russia from Tula (near Moscow). Best, Natalia
Good evening
Perhaps you can help me too. I saw you have some letters write by Carl ( Charles ) Busch (Busch & Co) who was in relation with Louis Yebleron (Le Havre, 1862) and Schliemann. Is it possible to have some copy of these lettres (Schliemman Incoming Foreign, page 115 for example). It’s probably my great great grand father and we know quite nothing about his life.
Thanks a lot
P BUSCH
Thank you for your note. Do you know that you can download the letters you found on the ascsa webpage? If you have any further inquiries, please write to: archives-inquiries@ascsa.edu.gr