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

Keywords table of terms and types.
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