Log Books
This record unit consists of log books containing a daily record of work performed and specimens received for preparation, 1903-1904, 1907-1908; and instructions for preparing specimens written by United States National Museum (USNM) taxidermist William L. Brown, circa 1936.
Correspondence
This record unit includes an alphabetical file of correspondence of William Temple Hornaday as taxidermist and curator of living animals. The correspondence deals mainly with the collecting and shipping of specimens and live animals, Hornaday's trip to Montana in 1886, taxidermy, and the operations of Hornaday's departments. Correspondents include museum officials …
Biographical File
This collection contains a variety of materials documenting the lives and careers of scientists from a wide range of fields, including mammalogy, ornithology, ichthyology, herpetology, botany, entomology, paleontology and geology. Also included are files on conservationists, taxidermists, historical figures, explorers, frontiersmen, and hunters. The files include biographies, news clippings, press …
Preparators' Reports
This record unit consists of weekly, monthly, and annual reports of the United States National Museum (USNM) staff involved with the preparation of collections for study and exhibition. The reports were submitted to the Director of USNM and maintained by the Division of Correspondence and Documents. Included are reports of …
Watson M. Perrygo Papers
These papers consist of correspondence from Alexander Wetmore, field co-workers, and museum curators concerning authorization for field trips, instructions on natural history specimens desired and areas to visit, and acknowledgments of specimens and camping equipment; correspondence from state game and fisheries agencies concerning hunting licenses and permits; letters of introduction …
Lantern Slides from the Smithsonian-Roosevelt African Expedition
This accession consists of eight hand-colored glass lantern slides from the Smithsonian-Roosevelt African Expedition. It is unclear as to who the photographer was. Also included are black-and-white prints made of the lantern slides by Smithsonian Photographic Services (SPS) in 1989.
Watson M. Perrygo Oral History Interviews
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 …
Exhibition Scripts
Exhibit scripts are the textual component of exhibits. These records document the production of labels and other text that accompany Smithsonian Institution exhibits, and deal with matters of concept, design, scope, and style. The records occasionally contain photographs, brochures, memoranda and correspondence with curators, exhibits specialists, and outside contractors.
Curators' Annual Reports
The administration of the United States National Museum required curators to submit regular reports on the activities of the departments, divisions, and sections. Prior to about 1900 these reports were often made monthly and semiannually as well as annually. The reports were traditionally submitted to the Director of the National Museum …
Records
The records contained in this record unit are essentially those of Frank A. Taylor in his capacity as Director, United States National Museum (1962-1971) and Director General of Museums (1968-1971). However, some records as Chairman of the Exhibits Modernization Committee (1943-1959) and Director of the National Museum of History and Technology (1958-1964) as well …
