Usage conditions may apply for digital images, video, and sound recordings linked within SOVA collections. While digital content may be restricted, SOVA collection descriptions and catalog records are available CC0 for re-use. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Records, circa 1948-1988
Summary
- Collection ID:
- SIA.FARU0397
- Creators:
-
National Museum of American History. Division of Engineering and Industry
- Dates:
-
circa 1948-1988
- Languages:
-
English
- Physical Description:
-
18.81 cu. ft. (18 record storage boxes) (1 12x17 box) (1 film box)
- Repository:
-
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Descriptive Entry
Descriptive Entry
These records consist of correspondence and memoranda pertaining to horology, exhibit proposals, manufacturers of engineering equipment, models, collections management, minutes of meetings, acquisitions, and installation of exhibits. Also included are blueprints for the Hall of Heavy Machinery; exhibit scripts from Power and the Early Steam Engine and for Building the Brooklyn Bridge: The Design and Construction; inquiries from private collectors, companies, universities, and individuals; Edward A. Battison research notes; personal papers and publications; records from the exhibition The Clockwork Universe: German Clocks and Automata, 1550-1650; administrative files; photographs, contact sheets, and slides of the Division's exhibits and specimens; and the motion picture film Die Welt Als Uhr (The World as a Clock).
Historical Note
Historical Note
With the establishment of the Museum of History and Technology (MHT) in 1957, the Division of Engineering - minus its collections in physical science, electricity, and transportation - became the Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, in the Department of Science and Technology. Administrative changes in 1978 established two new Departments, History of Science and History of Technology. The Division of Mechanisms was split from the Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, and the divisions split between the departments. The creation of the Department of the History of Science and Technology in 1980 returned the divisions to the same department, and in 1986 they merged to form the Division of Engineering and Industry. (For a history of the antecedent divisions and units to the Division of Engineering and Industry before 1957, see Record Unit 297.)
Curators and staff of the Division included Frank A. Taylor, Curator of the Division of Engineering, 1933-1955; Robert P. Multhauf, Associate Curator of the Division of Engineering, 1954, and Curator, 1955-1957; Robert M. Vogel, Assistant Curator of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 1958-1961, Associate Curator, 1962-1966, Curator, 1967-1985, and Curator of Engineering and Industry, 1986-1988; Edwin A. Battison, Associate Curator of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 1958-1969, Curator, 1970-1977, and Research Associate of Mechanisms, 1978-1980; Carlene E. Stephens, Museum Technician of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 1974-1977, Museum Specialist, 1977-1983, Curator of Mechanisms, 1984-1985, and Curator of Engineering and Industry, 1986- ; Otto Mayr, Curator of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 1970-1977, and Curator of Mechanisms, 1978-1984; Robert C. Post, Museum Specialist, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 1973-1974; David F. Noble, Curator of Mechanisms, 1983-1985; Tom D. Crouch, Curator of Engineering and Industry, 1986; and Steven Lubar, Curator of Engineering and Industry, 1987- .
Administration
Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives
Using the Collection
Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 397, National Museum of American History. Division of Engineering and Industry, Records
More Information
Notes
SI Records
Keywords
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
Contact us at osiaref@si.edu