The Donald K. Mitchell Sand and Soil Collection

Collection

Identifier: MS0546

Staff Only

Content Description

The Donald K. Mitchell Sand and Soil Collection comprises a diverse array of geological samples, primarily consisting of soil, sand, volcanic ash, pebbles, and other natural materials gathered from locations across the globe. The bulk of the collection was amassed by Dr. Donald Dean Kilolani Mitchell, a teacher at Kamehameha Schools [KS] in Honolulu, Hawaii, from 1930 to 1988, as part of a student and staff archaeological project. The collection was later discovered in boxes, alongside other scientific materials and instruments, behind an encased wall during a school rebuilding or remodeling project. KS Science Lab Assistant Liz Rizzo found the collection in a science lab storeroom and recognized its special nature.

The samples are organized into seven trays within six boxes, including three similar wooden boxes dated 1934, 1935, and 1939, with many items labeled with their geographical origin and date of collection. The collection reflects Dr. Mitchell's extensive travels and scientific curiosity, showcasing a wide geographic range with a main focus on Hawaii. Specific examples include light-colored pebbles from France, native copper from Alaska, shell fragments from Holland, brick red dirt from Siberia, stones from the Great Wall of China, old Hawaiian fishing stones from Lana’i, and lava from the summit of an active volcano in Vesuvius dated 1939. The dates associated with the samples indicate an active period of collection or acquisition between the 1930s and 1940s, though some samples date back to 1910 and as recently as 2023, indicating later additions or collection by others. The collection holds additional historical significance as many of the original collection sites may no longer exist in their prior forms.

Dates

Creation: 1910s - 2020s
Creation: Majority of material found within 1934-1946

Conditions Governing Access

The condition of the collection materials varies, with some in good condition while others are quite fragile.

Contact Special Collections for access.

Biographical Sketch

Donald Dean Kilolani Mitchell (1905-1989) was a distinguished teacher, author, lecturer, historian, and consultant in Hawaiian studies, affectionately known as "Kilolani" by his family and friends. Born in 1905, Mitchell arrived in Honolulu in 1928 at the age of 22, a fresh college graduate and biologist from Great Bend, Kansas. He was captivated by the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands and its culture.

Mitchell began his teaching career in Hawaii at Kalakaua Intermediate School, focusing on general science, before joining the Kamehameha School for Boys in 1930. During his nearly 60-year career with Kamehameha Schools (from 1930 to 1988) and his association with the Bishop Museum, Mitchell taught English, biology, general science, and journalism. His background as a biologist likely fueled his interest in collecting the geological samples found in this collection. However, his primary passion was Hawaiian studies. He founded Hui 'Oiwi, a Hawaiian cultural club for boys in 1931 and later conceived and managed a work experience program for Kamehameha students at the Bishop Museum in 1952.

Recognized as a "kupuna" (elder/knowledge keeper) in Hawaiian traditions, Mitchell was instrumental in perpetuating Hawaiian culture. He was a farsighted individual who, in the late 1960s, helped form Hui 'Imi Na'auao O Hawai'i, a professional Hawaiian studies organization, anticipating a Hawaiian renaissance. From 1964 to 1970, he taught Hawaiian studies, subsequently heading the Hawaiian studies resource team in Kamehameha's extension education division. After 1972, he served as a consultant to Kamehameha Schools, contributing extensively to Hawaiian education through research, curriculum materials, lectures, articles, and books, including works like Hawaiian Games for Today and Ku Kilakila 'O Kamehameha.

Mitchell was actively involved in numerous cultural and community organizations, such as the Hawaiian Historical Society and the Hawaiian Music Foundation. His contributions were recognized with multiple honors, including the Ke Ahu Paualu award (1975), the Living Treasure of Hawai'i award (1980), the Outstanding Non-Hawaiian award from the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and the Na Makua Mahalo 'Ia award (1989). Dr. Mitchell passed away on March 26, 1989, at his home in Kahalu'u, O'ahu.

Total Size of Collection

6 flat_pamphlet_box

4 Linear Feet (6 boxes) : 7 wooden trays of glass vials ; 3 trays, 1-1/2 x 10 x 16 in. ; 2 trays, 1-1/2 x 8 x 16-1/2 in. ; 1 tray, 1-1/2 x 7 x 10 in. ; and 1 tray, 2 x 9 x 13 in.

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Provenance

Labeled sand and soil samples were among artifacts recovered by Liz Rizzo, at the time a Science Lab Assistant, at Kamehameha Schools. Originally collected by Dr. Donald Kilolani Mitchell, teacher at the school from 1930 to 1988.