Smithsonian Institution Archives

Walter R. Roderick Oral History Interviews, 1986-1987

Summary

Collection ID:
SIA.FARU9590
Creators:
Roderick, Walter R., interviewee
Dates:
1986-1987
Languages:
English
Physical Description:
2 audiotapes (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.
Smith was interviewed for the Smithsonian Institution Archives Oral History Collection because of her service as a librarian and administrator with Smithsonian Institution Libraries.

Descriptive Entry

Descriptive Entry
Roderick was interviewed by Susan E. Ewing, a University of Maryland student and Technical Information Specialist for the NASM Archives, in 1986 and 1987. The interviews cover his youth; education; career in the U.S. Air Force, Capital Airlines, and NASM; restoration of such famous aircraft as the Winnie Mae, Vin Fiz, and Douglas World Cruiser; opening of NASM and Paul E. Garber Facility; and reminiscences of colleagues, including Edward B. Chalkley, Paul E. Garber, and Walter Male. The collection consists of 3.0 hours of audiotape recording and 78 pages of transcript.

Historical Note

Historical Note
Walter R. Roderick (1935- ), aircraft restoration specialist, served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956. During these years, he gained experience in aircraft maintenance and repair. After three years with Capital Airlines, he joined the staff of the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in 1959. His duties as an aircraft restoration specialist at NASM's Paul E. Garber Facility were to preserve, restore, and exhibit historic aircraft. Highlights of his career include the opening of the new NASM building in 1976 and the Silver Hill Museum in 1977. He retired as Chief of Production Operations at NASM in 1986.

Administration

Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives

Using the Collection

Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 9590, Walter R. Roderick Oral History Interviews
Use Restriction
Restricted. Contact SIHistory@si.edu to request permission.

More Information

Notes

Oral Histories


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Roderick, Walter R. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Chalkley, Edward B. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Garber, Paul Edward, 1899-1992 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Male, Walter Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Ewing, Susan E., interviewer Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.). Silver Hill Facility Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Capital Airlines Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
United States. Air Force Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.). Paul E. Garber Preservation, Restoration, and Storage Facility. Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Douglas World Cruiser (Airplane) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Winnie Mae (Airplane) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Vin Fiz (Airplane) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Aeronautics Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Oral history Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Interviews Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Audiotapes Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Transcripts Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
Contact us at osiaref@si.edu