In 1963 a number of students at Deerfield Academy formed the American studies group to "take a greater advantage of the location (of the school) in order to carry the study of American culture beyond the scope of the classroom". Each year since then intensive research has been done on a specific subject chosen from the area. An exhibition has been arranged in the hills than Gallery and an illustrated catalogue has been published. The boys have worked in their own time both at school and during vacations, with a minimum of supervision and not for grades.

In choosing Robert Strong Woodward for study this year it has been possible once again to visit places where an artist lived and worked, and to talk with neighbors who knew him well.

The task of carrying on correspondence, collecting and organizing material, making critical selections, and finally seen a catalog through the printer's hands is often tedious. It is not easy to make the first enthusiasm last through the countless hours of checking information and alphabetizing list. Garrett Hack, Chairman of this year's able group, has worked with intelligence, a firm hand, and an unfailing good humor. It is a matter of pride but no longer one of astonishment to see the quality of work done by the American studies group. I thoroughly enjoyed knowing them this year.

May 1970 • Deerfield, Massachusetts

MARGARET B. HOWE
Curator of Deerfield Academy Fine Arts