Descriptive Entry

This record unit consists of records of the Department of Zoology under Head Curator Waldo LaSalle Schmitt and includes outgoing correspondence, 1946-1957; correspondence with the public, 1947-1957; and administrative records, 1943-1958. Also included are records of the Department of Biology, 1943-1947.

For other records relating to the Departments of Biology and Zoology see Record Units 143, 242, 7074, and 7181.

Historical Note

The Department of Zoology was created July 31, 1947, as part of a general reorganization of the United States National Museum. At that time, the Department of Biology was divided into the Departments of Zoology and Botany. Waldo LaSalle Schmitt, who had served as head curator of the Department of Biology since 1943, became the first head curator of Zoology. He held that position until his retirement in 1957.