The Allen Spitzer Manuscript Collection documents the teaching and research activities of Saint Louis University's first full professor of anthropology, who was largely responsible for the development of anthropology as a separate field of study at the school. The material in Lecture Notes (1947-1963) and Syllabi and Tests (1955-1962) offer insights into the departmental history and course offerings of anthropology at SLU. The contents of Manuscripts (1941-1967), Works (1940-1966), and Notes (1955-1968) cover Spitzer's own research interests and academic career advancement. Some notable items in the Subject Files (1930-1973), Fieldwork (1951-1966), and Travel (1935-1966) series include Spitzer's studies of indigenous groups and areas, including the Blackfeet Nation of Montana, the Yucatan in Mexico, and American Samoa. A number of letters of correspondence also document Allen and Lillian Spitzer's conversion and committment to Catholicism, as well as Lillian's training and interest in social work.