Barnett, H. G. (Homer Garner), 1906-1985

Homer Garner Barnett (1906-1985) was born on April 25, 1906 in Bisbee, Arizona and earned his Ph. D. in anthropology from the University of California in 1938. Barnett conducted field research studying Native American cultures in Southwestern Oregon (1934), Northwestern California (1938), British Columbia (1935-1936, 1940), and Washington (1942-1943). From 1947 to 1948 he conducted field research studying the indigenous people of the Palau Islands. Barnett was the American Anthropological Association representative to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1947-1963, and started the movement to reorganize the association and establish it on a more professional basis.

H.G. Barnett was a professor of Anthropology at the University of Oregon.

Homer Garner Barnett was born on April 25, 1906 in Bisbee, Arizona. He began his education at Stanford University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1927 for mathematics and philosophy. He then worked as a teaching assistant in anthropology for the University of California while continuing his education. He earned his Ph. D. in anthropology from the University of California in 1938. The following year in 1939 he was hired as an Anthropology instructor at the University of Oregon. In 1943 he became an assistant professor of Anthropology, and was promoted to associate professor in 1946.

Dr. Barnett belonged to many professional entities outside of the University of Oregon. He was an American Anthropological Association representative to the American Association for the Advancement of Science from 1947-63. As an elected representative of the American Anthropological Association, Dr. Barnett started the movement for reorganization of the association to establish it on a more professional basis. This program was modified and carried out by the Association as he recommended. He was also a member of the Pacific Coast Conference on Anthropology and Humanities in 1947.

Dr. Barnett conducted field research studying different Native American cultures in Southwestern Oregon (1934), Northwestern California (1938), British Columbia (1935-36, 1940), and Washington (1942-43). From 1947 to 1948 he conducted field research studying the indigenous people of the Palau Islands. Dr. Barnett had a long and distinguished career as an anthropologist, and was greatly respected by all who knew him. Dr. Barnett became an emeritus professor at the University of Oregon in 1971; he officially retired in 1974. After his retirement Dr. Barnett worked on writings and publications up until the time of his death in 1985.