Descriptive Entry

These records include the correspondence of Ronald A. Morris, Program Secretary, 1981-1985; Dorothy Robins-Mowry, Research Assistant, 1984-1985; Leslie A. Navarrete, Program Assistant, 1984-1985; Mary Brown Bullock, Director, 1988-present; and Kirsti E. Hastings, Program Assistant, 1990-1992. Also includes papers written by fellows and guest scholars; personnel files; 8x10 photographs of participants at conferences and colloquiums; contact sheets and negatives; information pertaining to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASAN) and the Burma Conference (1986); symposium announcements and invitations; manuscript titled "Asia at the Wilson Center: A Decade of Progress" (1985), which gives a brief history of the Asia Program and lists scholars - plus the title of their papers - who made presentations at conferences; and budgetary files.

Historical Note

The Asia Program was first known as the East Asia Program, which the Wilson Center Board of Trustees established for a three-year trial, beginning on 10 June 1980. Ronald A. Morse was appointed its first Secretary in January 1981. The program won long-term Board approval in April 1982, following favorable reviews by a distinguished outside panel. It was eventually expanded and redesignated the Asia Program in October 1984. The fundamental purpose of the program is to work closely with resident fellows and guest scholars, who produce high-quality publications on Asian issues; and to arrange conferences, both in the United States and abroad, for discussion of these issues and their impact on the American scene.