This record unit consists of correspondence documenting the operation of the Division of Meteorites, 1963-1970. The correspondence is both incoming and outgoing and
concerns the identification and acquisition of specimens; the publication of scientific manuscripts; exhibits; participation in professional societies; and divisional administration.
Of special interest is correspondence concerning the acquisition of the Arthur R. Allen Meteorite Collection, 1963-1964, and Edward P. Henderson's collecting work in Australia,
1963-1965. Correspondents include geologists and mineralogists, meteorite collectors and dealers, Smithsonian and NMNH staff and administrators, government agencies, and the
general public. The correspondence is primarily directed to curators Henderson (after 1966, research associate), Clarke (prior to 1966, chemist), Fredriksson, and Mason. The
correspondence is arranged alphabetically by correspondent.
Historical Note:
The Division of Meteorites was established in 1963 as part of a reorganization in the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH). At that time the Department of Geology
was divided into two new departments, Paleobiology and Mineral Sciences. Prior to 1963, the NMNH collection of meteorites was under the care of the Division of Mineralogy
and Petrology of the Department of Geology (see Record Unit 268). Staff of the Division of Meteorites included Edward P. Henderson, associate curator in charge, 1963-1964,
curator, 1965-1966, and research associate, 1966- ; Roy S. Clarke, Jr., chemist, 1963-1966, and associate curator, 1966- ; Kurt Fredriksson, curator in charge, 1964-1966,
and curator 1967- , including the years 1967-1968 when he also served as supervisor; Brian H. Mason, curator, 1965- , including 1968 when he also served as supervisor; Robert
F. Fudali, geochemist, 1967- ; Eugene Jarosewich, chemist, 1967- ; and Joseph A. Nelen, chemist, 1967- .
