Smithsonian Institution Archives

Herbert Friedmann Oral History Interview, 1975

Summary

Collection ID:
SIA.FARU9506
Creators:
Friedmann, Herbert, 1900-1987, interviewee
Dates:
1975
Languages:
English
Physical Description:
3 audiotapes (Reference copies). 5 digital .mp3 files (Reference copies).
Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives

Introduction

Introduction
The Smithsonian Institution Archives began its Oral History Program in 1973. The purpose of the program is to supplement the written documentation of the Archives' record and manuscript collections with an Oral History Collection, focusing on the history of the Institution, research by its scholars, and contributions of its staff. Program staff conduct interviews with current and retired Smithsonian staff and others who have made significant contributions to the Institution. There are also interviews conducted by researchers or students on topics related to the history of the Smithsonian or the holdings of the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Friedmann was interviewed for the Oral History Program because he made significant scholarly and administrative contributions of the Smithsonian during 28 years of service at the National Museum of Natural History.

Descriptive Entry

Descriptive Entry
Friedmann was interviewed by Pamela M. Henson on April 22, 1975. The interview includes his reminiscences of his education, research interests, career and colleagues in the Division of Birds, administration of the United States National Museum, and work in the exhibits modernization program.

Historical Note

Historical Note
Herbert Friedmann (1900-1987), ornithologist, received his Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1923. He taught biology and ornithology at Brown University and Amherst College for several years. In 1929 he was appointed Curator of the Division of Birds in the United States National Museum, a position held until 1957 when he was appointed Head Curator of the Department of Zoology. Friedmann left the Institution in 1961 to become Director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History until his retirement in 1970. Friedmann's research focused on the birds of Africa and South America, parasitic birds, and the symbolic use of birds in art.

Administration

Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives

Using the Collection

Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 9506, Herbert Friedmann Oral History Interview

More Information

Notes

Oral Histories


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Friedmann, Herbert, 1900-1987 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Henson, Pamela M., interviewer Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
United States National Museum. Exhibits Modernization Program Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
National Museum of Natural History (U.S.). Department of Biology Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
National Museum of Natural History (U.S.). Division of Birds Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
National Museum of Natural History (U.S.). Department of Zoology Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Birds Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Museum curators -- United States -- Interviews Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Ornithology Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Symbolism in art Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Interviews Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Oral history Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Audiotapes Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Transcripts Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Compact discs Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Electronic records Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
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