Introduction

This finding aid was digitized with funds generously provided by the Smithsonian Institution Women's Committee.

Descriptive Entry

These papers consist of William Jervis Hough's correspondence with David Dale Owen concerning the selection of stones for the Smithsonian Building and an original proposal for the Smithsonian Building from the architect, William Archer; notes regarding the 1846 founding of the Smithsonian Institution; a report by the Smithsonian Building Committee; notes from contractors; and an 1863 newspaper article about the Smithsonian Building. Also included is later correspondence between William Jones Rhees and Charles E. Stevens, Hough's son-in-law, concerning the deeding of Hough's papers to the Smithsonian Institution.

Historical Note

William Jervis Hough (1795-1869), lawyer, served as a congressman from New York, 1845-1847. He was appointed a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution in August 1846. Hough attended the Board of Regents' first meeting in the fall of 1846, and served as Secretary of that body. Hough was also on the Smithsonian Building Committee. After his term as congressman ended, Hough returned to law practice in New York State.