Descriptive Entry

This accession consists of audiovisual materials associated with the Smithsonian Video Collection. The Smithsonian Video Collection was a joint venture with Eastman Kodak Company to provide videos featuring Smithsonian Institution collections and research to the general public. A total of six one-hour programs (only five are represented in this accession) were produced in 1989. "First Ladies" documents the First Ladies of the White House and their unique roles as well as the National Museum of American History's collection of First Ladies' gowns, accessories, and furnishings. "Gems and Minerals: The Ultimate Rock Video" features the gems and minerals collection at the National Museum of Natural History. "National Zoo: The Zoo Behind the Zoo" provides a tour of the National Zoological Park and its Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia and visits experts who lead the fight to save species from extinction. "Creatures Great and Small" features dinosaurs and insects and is composed of new footage as well as footage from older films. "Flying Machines" documents the history of flight and features the National Air and Space Museum. Materials include a master, a protection master, several dub masters, and other videotapes.