Descriptive Entry
This accession consists of records that document the planning, development, and execution of television productions for the "Here at the Smithsonian" (HATS) series. Also included are developmental materials for ideas that were not carried through to a full production, as well as material relating to singular projects unrelated to HATS. Subject matter for the HATS series were wide and varied, including: orchids, Frank Lloyd Wright, insects, aviation, kites, ballooning, Duke Ellington, jewelry, and the National Zoo.
The "Here at the Smithsonian" series was aired nationwide over the Public Broadcasting System between 1982-1989. Productions were created to highlight and or record significant Smithsonian anniversaries and events, holidays, special projects, major exhibitions, or areas of unique or special interest.
Some of the earliest records may have been created by Ann Carroll who served as Series Producer for HATS (1981-1985; volumes I-IV). However, the bulk of the records were created and maintained by John P. Meehan, Audio Visual Production Specialist, and Series Producer for HATS (1986-1989; volumes V-VIII). Please note that Carroll and Meehan acted as producers on both the series and segment level during the time of the series.
Materials include contracts, correspondence, editing logs, memoranda, notes, research material, scripts, and tape logs.
NOTE: See accession 00-132 for the video tapes of the above referenced productions.
