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
Smithsonian Institution-Cuba Relations Oral History Interviews, 1998
Summary
- Collection ID:
- SIA.FARU9613
- Creators:
- Dates:
-
1998
- Languages:
-
English
- Physical Description:
-
3 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 reminiscences and interviews recorded by researchers or students on topics related to the history of the Smithsonian or the holdings of the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
The Smithsonian Institution/Cuba Relations Oral History Interviews were recorded by Smithsonian research associate Pedro M. Pruna-Goodgall, of the Cuban Academy of Sciences as part of his research on the history of Cuban natural history and the Smithsonian's role in that field of study.
Descriptive Entry
Descriptive Entry
In 1998, Pedro M. Pruna-Goodgall, Senior Scholar, Centro de Estudios de Historia y Organizacion de la Ciencia "Carlos J. Finlay," Academia de Ciencias de Cuba, and Research Collaborator of the Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, conducted a series of interviews with Smithsonian administrators and a Conservation International scientist who had been active in Smithsonian-Cuban relations in the prior three decades. David Challinor (1920-2008) served as special assistant for tropical biology from 1966 to 1967, deputy director from 1967 to 1969 and then director from 1969 to 1971 of the Office of International Activities, as Assistant Secretary for Science from 1971 to 1984, and Assistant Secretary for Research from 1984 to 1987. Upon his retirement in 1987, he was named special advisor to the Secretary, and in 1996 was named Scientist Emeritus, National Zoological Park. Ross B. Simons (1951- ) served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science/Research and implemented the international programs for Challinor. He later served as Associate Director for Science at the National Museum of Natural History. Michael L. Smith (1950- ), Caribbean Biodiversity Research Program Fellow, Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, Conservation International, maintained close research ties with Cuban and Smithsonian scientists, as well. Pruna focused on relations with Cuba following the 1977 Smithsonian staff visit to Cuba hosted by Dr. Abelardo Moreno, director of the Havana Zoo, which led to a Memorandum of Understanding between the Smithsonian and the Cuban Academy of Sciences to ensured continued scientific cooperation. This collection contains three interview sessions, totaling approximately 3 hours of recording and 58 pages of transcript.
Historical Note
Historical Note
The Smithsonian Institution and Cuba have had close scientific relations since the founding of the Institution in 1846. The Smithsonian's first curator and second Secretary, Spencer Fullerton Baird, established a scientific correspondence and specimen exchange with the noted Cuban naturalist Felipe Poey in the 1850s, and those research ties were maintained throughout the twentieth century.
Administration
Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives
Using the Collection
Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 9613, Smithsonian Institution-Cuba Relations 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