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Smithsonian Institution Archives
Biographical Files, circa 1963-1988
Summary
- Collection ID:
- SIA.FARU0420
- Creators:
-
Smithsonian Institution. Office of Public Affairs
- Dates:
-
circa 1963-1988
- Languages:
-
English
- Physical Description:
-
5 cu. ft. (10 document boxes)
- Repository:
-
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Descriptive Entry
Descriptive Entry
These records consist of biographical files collected by the Office of Public Affairs primarily for the use and convenience of that office.
Like many biographical files, the records were added to as bits of information were collected, from the newspaper, from press releases, from The Torch, or from SI announcements. The more important figures represented in the files contain more documentation and often include a photograph.
The files contain information on regents, employees, donors, artists whose works are in the collections, and docents and volunteers.
Historical Note
Historical Note
The Office of Public Affairs had its origins in the editorial and publication division of the Smithsonian Institution (SI), which had long been disbursing news about events and exhibitions. In 1965 a separate Office of Information, reporting to the Secretary, was created, in part to deal with festivities and events surrounding the Smithson Bicentennial. B. Richard Berg was appointed Director and George J. Berklacy, press officer. The new office issued press releases, answered public inquiries, maintained a system of recorded telephone announcements, arranged for the production of films, and dealt, in general, with the media.
The Office of Public Affairs, reporting to the Assistant Secretary for Public Service, was established in 1968. It was charged with publicizing the programs of the Smithsonian through a broad range of methods of communications, from radio to films to special events. Initially the office provided services including tours, visitor booths, publications, recorded messages, news releases, information leaflets, and the answering of public inquiries.
Frederic M. Philips served as Director, 1968-1972. He was succeeded by Carl W. Larsen, who held the position 1972-1978. In 1977 Lawrence E. Taylor assumed the title of Coordinator of Public Information, with the offices of public affairs, congressional liaison, and special events under his direction. In 1984 Taylor retired and the Office of Public Affairs again reported to the Assistant Secretary for Public Service. Alvin Rosenfeld served as the Director of the Office of Public Affairs,1979-1986. Madeleine Jacobs was Director, 1987- .
Administration
Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives
Using the Collection
Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 420, Smithsonian Institution, Office of Public Affairs, Biographical Files
More Information
Notes
SI Records
Keywords
Keyword Terms | Keyword Types | ||
---|---|---|---|
Larsen, Carl W. | Personal Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Rosenfeld, Alvin | Personal Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Jacobs, Madeleine | Personal Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Smithsonian Institution -- Administration | Corporate Name | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
The Torch (Serial) | Title | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Museums -- Public relations | Topic | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Museums -- Employees | Topic | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Museum publications | Topic | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Black-and-white photographs | Genre/Form | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Clippings | Genre/Form | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Manuscripts | Genre/Form | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
Contact us at osiaref@si.edu