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Natalia Maree Belting was born on July 11, 1915 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Her parents encouraged her to read, and she wrote her first book at age six. She received a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana in 1936, and went on to earn a master's degree and Ph.D. in American history (1940) from the same institution. She taught history at her alma mater from 1942 until her retirement. She became an associate professor in 1973, and retired as a full professor. She studied and wrote about the history of Native Americans and early French colonizers in Illinois. This research formed the basis of her first children's book, Pierre of Kaskaskia, as well as her third book, In Enemy Hands. Indy and Mr. Lincoln, and Verity Mullens and the Indian were also based on historical incidents. For the most part though, Belting adapted myths and folktales for young readers. Focusing on a single theme, such as "little people" (Elves and Ellefolk) or the sun (The Sun Is a Golden Earring), Belting usually included ten to twenty myths from around the world. In 1962, The Sun Is a Golden Earring, with illustrations by Bernarda Bryson, was a Caldecott Medal honor book. Throughout her adult life, Belting was active in community affairs, and preached occasionally at Presbyterian churches. As of 1996, she was a professor emerita and still living in Urbana, Illinois.
This Collection is indexed under the following controlled access subject terms.
6/13/97
Additional materials at the Illinois History and Licoln Collection:
By subject and choronological thereunder.
Papers of Natalia Maree Belting (1915-1997), Professor of History (1941-1985), including journals, correspondence, biographical newsclippings, photos of Dr. Belting, manuscripts, vita, publications lists, publication reprints, and notes concerning Illinois and Indiana local history, the life and work of Dr. Belting, nomination and awarding of Mothers Association Medal of Honor. Journals and correspondence (1979-94) pertain to the weather, daily occurances of Dr. Belting's life, and events including birthdays and holidays. Dr. Belting's complaint to the university regarding lack of promotion and salary increase including all correspondence, manuscripts, vita, and publication lists are filed in the