About the Donor

The Claypool Archive was donated by Ann (Claypool) Beard in 2011. Ann Wilkinson Scheyd, now Ann Beard, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. married John in 1982. She had an accomplished career serving as a counselor, teacher, and researcher in the area of psychiatric social work.

About the Collection

The Claypool Archive covers the period 1947-2011 (bulk 1947-2005).  Measuring 26 cubic feet, the papers have been fully processed and are open for research.  The collection represents the biography of a minister who traveled from strong preaching roots in the Baptist tradition to explore the sacramental traditions and Anglican theology of The Episcopal Church.  The resulting amalgam led to a popular following and influential ministerial career.

Series and Collection Description

The Claypool Papers are arranged into nine series.  The Sermons series is the largest grouping of paper records, followed by the Biographical and Family Records series, which includes photographs, framed and unframed diplomas and certificates, and honoraria.  Other large series include ministry and personal Correspondence and Publicity for Claypool’s speaking engagements and book publications.  Additionally, a Clippings series and a series of Publications and Collected Works round out the paper records.  Collected Artwork is the smallest series, along with a small collection of Scrapbooks.  The Collected Audio and Video Recordings series consists of over 900 items, including cassette tapes, compact discs, VHS tapes and DVDs, the majority of which feature Claypool as the speaker.  A fuller description of the archive and additional information is available from the Archives.