Educational Radio Project Publications, 1936-1937 and undated

Descriptive Entry

This accession consists of publications created in conjunction with the Educational Radio Project which created several educational radio series while providing employment for out-of-work writers and actors. Development of the project began in 1935 in association with the Civilian Conservation Corps and the United States, Works Progress Administration and some series continued through 1942. The project was administered by the United States, Office of Education. Many of the materials in this accession relate to "The World is Yours," a series broadcast by the National Broadcasting Company, Inc. radio network and produced in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution. Each half-hour program aired once a week on topics covering the entire range of the Smithsonian Institution's collections and research. The series featured the "Oldtimer" as the audience's guide to "the wonders of that unique establishment, the Smithsonian Institution -- dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge." The program ran from June 1936 until May 1942. Other Educational Radio Project programs documented in this accession include "Answer Me This," a question and answer style program that often used traditional American songs, and "Interviews with the Past," six shows during which a historical figure arrives in the present to be interviewed by student reporters. Neither program was directly associated with the Smithsonian Institution. Materials include a manual for the production of educational radio programs, a script catalogue, educational supplements to "The World is Yours" with illustrated covers, and scripts for "Answer Me This" and "Interviews with the Past."