Usage conditions may apply for digital images, video, and sound recordings linked within SOVA collections. While digital content may be restricted, SOVA collection descriptions and catalog records are available CC0 for re-use. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
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
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
Contact us at osiaref@si.edu