The papers of Herbert G. May consist of instructional files, correspondence, writings, committee files, files relating to the Bible, files relating to the Oberlin Graduate School of Theology, sermons and chapel talks, and photographs. These papers document May’s distinguished career as teacher and theologian, Biblical translator, cartographer, and linguist. The biographical materials and the extensive correspondence series (professional and personal) provide many examples of the respect and acclaim that May received from colleagues, former students, and friends.

May’s career as a teacher is well documented in the series of instructional files. This series consists of files relating to a wide range of courses taught by May, including Archaeology, Old Testament, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. As a faculty member in the Graduate School of Theology (GST), May maintained files relating to matters associated with GST. These files include materials relating to the closing of the school in Oberlin and the transfer of the program to Vanderbilt University in 1966.

The Herbert May Papers also consist of files relating to his contributions to the Revised Standard Version Bible Committee [originally the Standard Bible Committee], The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, and the Oxford Bible Atlas and Annotated Bible and Apocrypha. These files, along with a wide range of topical files, document May’s extensive research relating to the Bible, religion, and archaeology with assistance form other Biblical scholars.

The photographic series consists of photographs and negatives relating to publications and archaeological works of May. Of particular note are the six brown and maroon packets containing negatives relating to a trip to Megiddo (present-day Israel) as part of the University of Chicago’s archaeological expedition in the 1930s. According to a scholar who visited the College Archives in 2003, the packets were compiled by Mrs. Helen May. Also contained in this series are negatives and prints used for instructional purposes and publications such as The Interpreter’s Bible.

The Herbert G. May Papers are divided into the following eleven series: I. Biographical Files, II. Files Relating to the Bible (Co-Editor), III. Committee Files: The Standard Bible Committee (SBC) and Revised Standard Version (RSV), IV. Correspondence, V. Departmental Files Relating to The Oberlin Graduate School of Theology (GST), VI. Instructional Files, VII. Printed Matter, VIII. Sermons and Chapel Talks, IX. Topical Files, X. Writings, and XI. Photographs.

Series I. Biographical Files, 1936-77, n.d. (14f and 29 appointment books)

This series contains biographical information about Herbert G. May, including personal files that pertain to his sabbaticals, appointments, engagements, and memorial services.

Series II. Files Relating to the Bible (Co-Editor), 1935-76, n.d. (102f)

This series is divided into the following subseries: Subseries I. Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible and Interpreter's One Volume of the Bible, and Subseries II. Oxford University Press and Society of Biblical Literature.

Subseries I. Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible and Interpreter's One Volume of the Bible, 1946-71, n.d. (53f)

This subseries includes committee files, correspondence, maps, illustrations, commentaries and articles pertaining to the Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible and the Interpreter's One Volume of the Bible.

Subseries II. Oxford University Press and Society of Biblical Literature, 1935-76, n.d. (49f)

This subseries consists of files relating to May's position as co-editor for a release under Oxford University Press, and as a member of the Society of Biblical Literature.

Series III. Committee Files: Standard Bible Committee (SBC), and Revised Standard Version (RSV), 1923, 1931-77, n.d. (50f)

The Standard Bible Committee and the Revised Standard Version files consist of general board matters and correspondence, including May's positions on the executive committees. Included is also a draft of May's edition of the Revised Standard Version.

Series IV. Correspondence, 1927-78 (119f)

This series consists of general correspondence arranged in chronological order, and correspondence with students, personal correspondence and professional correspondence arranged in alphabetical order.

Series V. Departmental Files Relating to the Oberlin Graduate School of Theology (GST), 1934-56, 1958-76 (10f)

The departmental files of the Oberlin Graduate School of Theology primarily consist of annual reports to Oberlin College, correspondence with the Department of Religion and Vanderbilt Divinity School, and departmental matters.

Series VI. Instructional Files, 1934-66, n.d. (57f and 20 grade books)

This series contains class lecture notes, syllabi, quizzes, exams, and grade books for May's "History of Archaeology and Research" and "Old Testament Literature" courses. The grade books are restricted.

Series VII. Printed Matter, 1944-76 (2f)

This series consists of two folders of printed matter relating to the career of Herbert G. May.Series VIII. Sermons and Chapel Talks, 1930-69, 1972-74, n.d. (8f)

Consists of May's chapel talks dating from the 1930s-40s, and his sermons delivered from 1930-69 and 1972-74.

Series IX. Topical Files, 1930s-78, n.d. (51f)

Consists of both professional and personal miscellaneous topical files arranged in alphabetical order.

Series X. Writings, 1934-78, n.d. (12f)

The writings files include two bibliographies of publication, book reviews, reprints of articles, and miscellaneous manuscript drafts, including "Festschrift" and "New Century Bible."

Series XI. Photographs, 1926-76, n.d. (11f)

The photographic series consists of prints and negatives. Six (6) small packets contain negatives taken by Mrs. Helen May during the archeological expeditions to Megiddo in the 1930s. Other negatives and prints used in publications and for instructional purposes are filed in this series

A majority of the papers were received in 1978 (1978/11) as a gift from Dr. May's two daughters via Mrs. Harriet Reynolds (Dr. May's secretary). A small portion was given to the Archives directly by Dr. May himself or by Mrs. Reynolds (Accession no. 111 and 1978/37).

Records of the Graduate School of Theology 1841 (1923-66)- 1976 (RG 11); and the faculty file of Herbert G. May (RG 28/3). For materials relating to an Archaeological Dig that Herbert G. May participated in, see the Clarence Ward Papers (30/158). See also the Herbert May Slide Collection (http://dcollections.oberlin.edu)