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Established in 1956, the Department of Human Genetics traces its origins to the Laboratory of the Vertebrate Biology, created in 1941, and reorganized in 1950 as the Institute of Human Biology. Following the retirement of Lee Raymond Dice, the Institute was reconfigured as a department under the direction of James V. Neel. Records consist of the correspondence and administrative files of Lee Raymond Dice and James V. Neel relating to the development of genetic research and study at Michigan. Also included are articles and reprints by Dice, Neel, and other faculty associated with genetic and heredity research at Michigan. Three photographs are also included.

The records of the Department of Human Genetics consist of 4.75 linear feet spanning the period from 1937 to 1977 and include material from the predecessor unit, Institute of Human Biology (1941-1956). The records have been arranged in three series: Institute of Human Biology, 1941-1956; Department of Human Genetics, 1956-1977; and Reprints and Publications, 1937-1966.

The records arrived as largely unarranged departmental correspondence files of professors Lee R. Dice and James V. Neel. To make these records more accessible, they have been divided chronologically into two series at the date at which the Department of Human Genetics was officially formed, with a third series consisting of reprints and publications from all stages of the department's evolution.