Born Barbara Ritchie Honeyman, Portland, Oregon, 1910; grew up in Ilwaco, Washington; graduated Smith College, 1932; graduate work, New York University, 1953-54; honorary degree, Smith College, 1989. Married Harold S. Hirsch, 1934 (divorced); adopted 2 children; married Scott Alexander Heath, 1953 (died 1974); married G. Frederick Roll, 1975. Worked in field of physical anthropology, specializing in somatotype, the study of physical types in relation to culture and society; challenged the work of former mentor, anthropologist William Sheldon. Held various university research positions; served as consultant and assistant to Margaret Mead in her study of Peri Village, Manus Island in 1966 and 1975; taught anthropology, Monterey Peninsula College, 1966-74; and published widely in her field under the names Heath and Roll.
From the guide to the Barbara Honeyman Heath Roll Papers MS 133., 1920s-c1995, (Sophia Smith Collection)
