Descriptive Entry

This accession consists of the records of Scott Odell, head conservator at the National Museum of American History (NMAH) from 1978-1993 and previous to that conservator in the Division of Musical History, previously the Division of Musical Instruments, from 1963-1978. In 1963 Odell planned and established the first conservation lab for historical musical instruments in any major American museum at NMAH as well as was instrumental in centralizing conservation efforts at NMAH, helping plan the Division of Conservation (later known as the Department of Conservation) and its lab. The records document Odell's work in preserving historical musical instruments at NMAH, the overall administration of the Department of Conservation, his work in helping prepare a Smithsonian Institution disaster plan, collections management, and his professional activities in presenting papers at conferences, lecturing, talks, and conducting conservation workshops. Some materials date from before Odell was employed at the Smithsonian and also from after he retired. Materials include correspondence, memoranda, budget records, reports, organizational charts, lecture records, conference records, newsletters, images, floor plans, drawings, and clippings.