Smithsonian Institution Archives

Records, circa 1925-1937, 1954-1985

Summary

Collection ID:
SIA.FARU0375
Creators:
National Museum of American History. Department of the History of Science and Technology
Dates:
circa 1925-1937, 1954-1985
Languages:
English
Physical Description:
5.5 cu. ft. (5 record storage boxes) (1 document box)
Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives

Descriptive Entry

Descriptive Entry
These records document administrative operations and exhibition programs of the Department of the History of Science and Technology and its predecessors, chiefly from 1958 to 1985. A small amount of the records pertain to technological exhibitions and other activities of curatorial divisions located in the Arts and Industries Building in the 1920s and 1930s.
Records consists of correspondence and memoranda between Museum staff and chairmen of the Department, including Robert P. Multhauf, Head Curator, 1958-1963, Chairman, 1964-1965; Walter F. Cannon, 1966-1968; Bernard S. Finn, 1969-1972, 1978-1982; Otto Mayr, 1976-1977; John T. Schlebecker, Jr., 1975-1979; and Arthur P. Molella, 1983- .
Also included in the records is documentation about the Hall of Physics and Hall of Chemistry; script for the Brooklyn Bridge Centennial Exhibition; exhibition floor plans and drawings; agreements for incoming loans of artifacts from private collectors or other museums; photographs of the architect's drawing for the Museum building; photographs of Museum exhibitions and special events; photographs of exhibitions located in the Arts and Industries Building; curatorial travel reports; budgetary records; patent specifications; conservation; requirements for artifacts; information on the Museum's collection inventory project; and minutes of meetings.

Historical Note

Historical Note
The Department of the History of Science and Technology was established in 1980, when the Department of the History of Technology and the Department of the History of Science were consolidated.

Administration

Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives

Using the Collection

Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 375, National Museum of American History. Department of the History of Science and Technology, Records

More Information

Notes

SI Records


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Taylor, Frank A. (Frank Augustus), 1903-2007 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Multhauf, Robert P. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Cannon, Susan Faye, 1925-1981 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Finn, Bernard S., 1932- Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Vogel, Robert M. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Mayr, Otto Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Molella, Arthur P., 1944- Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Arts and Industries Building (Washington, D.C.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Hall of Chemistry Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Hall of Physics Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Building Brooklyn Bridge: The Design and Construction, 1867-1883 (Exhibition) (1983: Washington, D.C.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Science museums Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Museum exhibits Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Manuscripts Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Architectural drawings Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Floor plans Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Black-and-white photographs Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
Contact us at osiaref@si.edu