Descriptive Entry
This record unit documents the first four International Symposia sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution, with some documentation of the fifth. The first symposium celebrated the bicentennial of James Smithson's birth and was organized by Philip C. Ritterbush, Special Assistant to the Secretary. The records consist of correspondence, memoranda, background research material, invitations, brochures, resumes, photographs, grant information, publication contracts, symposia schedules, travel and accommodation arrangements, and other administrative records for the Smithson Bicentennial symposium, 1965; the Quality of Man's Environment symposium, 1967; Man and Beast: A Symposium on Comparative Social Behavior, 1969; Cultural Styles and Social Identities: Interpretations of Protest and Change, 1970; and a fifth international symposium concerning art and technology.
These records were created or maintained by Philip C. Ritterbush, Special Assistant to the Secretary for Scientific Matters and Director of the Office of Academic Programs after 1968; Nathaniel Dixon, Associate Director of the Office of Academic Programs; and Wilton S. Dillon, Director of the Division of Seminars after 1969.