Philleo Nash grew up in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. While obtaining his A.B. in anthropology from the University of Wisconsin in 1932, he participated in Alexander Meiklejohn's Experimental College. He received a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Chicago in 1937, studying the Klamath Indians.
During World War II he was a Special Assistant to the Director, White House Liaison, Office of War Information, responsible for analysis of race riots and improvement of race relations. From 1946 to 1952, Nash worked as Special Assistant and Administrative Assistant to President Harry Truman on minority group issues, including fair employment practices, conscientious objectors, Indians, African-Americans, civil rights and desegregation of the armed forces. In 1945, Nash and his wife, Edith, also an anthropologist, helped found the Georgetown Day School of Washington D.C., the first interracial elementary school in that city.
The papers also document Nash's successful defense against accusations by Senator Joseph McCarthy of Communist associations and leanings—-one of a number of accusations by McCarthy targeting anthropologists. At the end of Truman's term, Nash returned to Wisconsin, helping to revitalize the state Democratic Party. He was elected chair of the State Democratic Committee (1955-1957), and served as Lieutenant Governor (1959-1961) under Gaylord Nelson.
Appointed by President Kennedy as Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Nash served from 1961-1966. He continued to be active in academic anthropology and as a consultant until his death. He and his sister Jean grew up in the family's Biron Cranberry Company, and they worked closely together to manage the business.
