Smithsonian Institution Archives

Records, 1969-1979 and undated

Summary

Collection ID:
SIA.FARU0275
Creators:
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Office of the Director
Dates:
1969-1979 and undated
Languages:
English
Physical Description:
12.5 cu. ft. (25 document boxes)
Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives

Descriptive Entry

Descriptive Entry
This record unit consists mostly of files maintained by Benjamin H. Read and James H. Billington during their service as directors of WWICS. A small amount of records were created by Albert Meisel as Acting Director of WWICS. The records document the early history of WWICS and concern fund raising; recruitment of fellows and scholars; the development of WWICS programs; conferences and symposia sponsored by WWICS; and national and international affairs. The record unit includes general correspondence, 1969-1975; outgoing correspondence, 1970-1979; program files, including records dealing with WWICS programs in International Affairs, Environmental Studies, Ocean Studies, and State and Local Government; and voluminous files regarding the WWICS Sustainable Growth Program.

Historical Note

Historical Note
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (WWICS) was established by Act of Congress on 24 October 1968 to be a "living memorial expressing the ideals and concerns of Woodrow Wilson ... symbolizing and strengthening the fruitful relations between the world of learning and the world of public affairs." The Center was placed within the Smithsonian Institution under the independent administration of a fifteen member Board of Trustees appointed by the President, eight chosen from private life and seven from public positions. Chairmen of the Board of Trustees have included Hubert H. Humphrey, 1969-1972; William J. Baroody, Sr., 1972-1979; and Max M. Kampelman, 1980- . Funding of the Center was derived from both private support and public appropriation. The Center began operations on 19 October 1970, with the opening of its fellowship and guest scholar programs.
Benjamin H. Read was appointed Acting Director of WWICS in March 1969. His title was changed to Director in September 1969, a position which he retained until February 1973. Albert Meisel (Deputy Director of WWICS since 1970) served as Acting Director from February until September 1973, when James H. Billington was appointed Director.

Administration

Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives

Using the Collection

Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 275, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Office of the Director, Records

More Information

Notes

Non-SI Records


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Read, Benjamin H. (Benjamin Huger), 1925- Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Billington, James H. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Meisel, Albert Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Sustainable Growth Program Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Special events Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Fund raising Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
International education Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Manuscripts Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
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