His papers consist mainly of his research and genealogical files on Native Americans, particularly those in Michigan, notably 350 files (copies) from the National Archives, and also include his client files, diaries, and other materials. Box 26 is closaed until 2030 re: donor agreement.
The collection is composed of his accumulated reference files, client files, and writing, as some personal materials.
The reference files include copies of Probate Court files, commonly referred to as “350 files” from the National Archives, which are used extensively to prove tribal genealogy, lineage, and membership. The 350 files are in the original order that they were given to Keller by researcher Guy Fringer in 1994. A listing, by Fringer, precedes the files in the box. Additional reference files, largely photocopies, follow the 350 files in alphabetical order and concern the Keweenaw Bay and L’Anse Native American communities. Box 8 of the collection consists of user copies of all the 350 files. These files total 8 boxes of various sizes (4.5 cubic ft.).
A tape recording of oral interviews with Norman Landosky and Ron Douglas on August 1995, was used to create the report, A Micro model of leadership among the Ojibwa of south east Michigan and their descendants, 58 p. [89 p.].
Keller’s Native [American Research] Files, as he referred to them, consist of 4 boxes (2 cubic ft.) of copies of information which are organized by state and by topic. They largely relate to Michigan tribes, their issues and heritage, and Native American casino issues in general, although a variety of Native American topics both historic and current are covered. Most of these materials were compiled between 2000 and 2007 from newspapers, magazines, and Internet articles. Two publications (copies) of note by Charles Cleland-Report of the 19th Century History of the Saginaw, Black River, and Swan Creek Chippewa, 1992, and Theodore Karamanski-Isabella Indian reservation: A History of Allotment and Saginaw Chippewa, 1870-1934, 2007, the latter created for the Michigan Attorney General, are found in Box 21. There are also some research materials related to Caro local and church history. There are also some research materials related to Caro local and church history.
Also related to both his research and Native Files are a number of large binders of materials including Michigan tribe allotments, rolls, and research, New York tribes, partial copies of topical books, and genealogical reference materials, 3 boxes (3 cubic ft.).
His client files, 3 boxes (1.5 cubic ft.) include notes, emails, correspondence for genealogy research he conducted for his clients, mostly Native American genealogy for individuals to attain tribal membership. Correspondence in Box 26 is closed until 2030.
Keller’s diaries, 1969-2007, and his biographical materials folder, 5.5 boxes (approximately 2.5 cubic ft.) provide background on his life and interests. He later annotated the diaries covering his years at Albion college, 1969-1972, and that is found in a binder in Box 26.
Processing Notes: Various and numerous financial records, miscellaneous notes, duplicates, blanks, and out of scope published materials were removed from the collection (3 cubic ft.). Additionally, with the original Acc#72362, approximately 15 cubic ft. of publications, mainly out of scope genealogical newsletters were originally donated to the Clarke. Following his wishes, some publications were cataloged separately at the Clarke, some were transferred to specific genealogical research institutions, and the rest were disposed of.