Smithsonian World (Television program : 1984-1991)
Creator::
National Portrait Gallery. Department of History Search this
Extent:
0.5 cu. ft. (1 document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Floor plans
Sketches
Date:
1989-1992
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of records that document the planning and execution of Living Self-Portraits, a series of interviews with prominent American artists.
Marc Pachter, Chief Historian, conducted the interviews at the National Portrait Gallery (NPG). The "evenings" were a collaborative effort between the Resident Associates
Program, Smithsonian Productions, WETA (Washington, DC's public television station), and NPG.
As stated in a letter to Agnes De Mille (interviewed October 10, 1990), "the self-portraits are informally autobiographical, going beyond what might be found in published
biographical sources" and the format was "an hour of conversation with . . . Marc Pachter" before "a select group of 250 enthusiastic and informed guests to share the event
in the Great Hall of the National Portrait Gallery." The interviews were videotaped and segments were to be used in the Smithsonian Productions series Smithsonian World
that aired on WETA television.
The interviewees featured in the records are dancer and choreographer Agnes De Mille, actor Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., editor of the Washington Post Katharine Graham, and
photographer Gordon Parks.
Materials include correspondence, memoranda, program notes, budgets, itineraries, sketches of the Great Hall (NPG), technical specifications, releases and agreements, logistical
planning files, reference files, mailing lists, notes, and related records.
Topic:
Television -- Production and direction Search this
Video recordings--Production and direction Search this
Local number:
SIA Acc. 06-099
Restrictions & Rights:
Restrictions pertaining to the use of these materials may apply (based on contracts/copyright). Access restrictions may also apply if viewing/listening copies are not currently available. Viewing/listening copies can be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details
Materials less than 15 years old Restricted to researchers with written permission from the Chief Technology Officer. Contact reference staff for details
Records less than 15 years old with sensitive materials. Restricted for 15 years to researchers with written permission from the Chief Information Officer. Contact reference staff for details
The Woolly Mammoth of Washington (Television program)
How Does Your Sculpture Grow? (Television program)
Diplomats in Buckskins (Television program)
Hooray for the Red, White and Blue (Television program)
A Festival of Animals (Television program)
What Lives in Your Lawn? (Television program)
Celebrations 'Round the World (Television program)
Horse Races on the Mall (Television program)
Living with the Eskimos (Television program)
A Modern Noah's Ark (Television program)
Raphael Soyer: An Art of Real Life (Television program)
Inside Meteorites (Television program)
From Fiddles to Banjos (Television program)
Corals in Captivity (Television program)
A Life with Aviation (Television program)
The Universe in a Box (Television program)
The Ultimate Model (Television program)
The Elephant's Tale (Television program)
Japan's Ceramic Treasures (Television program)
A Museum for the Community (Television program)
The World of Mathew Brady (Television program)
American Picture Palaces (Television program)
Time Capsule of the Revolution (Television program)
The Smithsonian's Giant Squid (Television program)
Faulkner: A Living Portrait (Television program)
Design for the People (Television program)
Video Astronomy (Television program)
France Meets New Jersey (Television program)
Ballooning's 200th Birthday (Television program)
The Art of Craft (Television program)
An Invasion of Painters (Television program)
Keeping Perfect Time (Television program)
Nature Through a Viewfinder (Television program)
The Precious Legacy (Television program)
Surgery is Painless (Television program)
Islam in Africa (Television program)
Big Ideas in Small Packages (Television program)
The 20,000 Year-Old-Man (Television program)
A Place for Touching (Television program)
Microscopes Make it Big (Television program)
The Plastic Historian (Television program)
Panda Playground (Television program)
More Than 'Whistler's Mother' (Television program)
Collecting the 'Stuff' of Politics (Television program)
The Golden Age of Aviation (Television program)
The Birdman of America (Television program)
Celebrating American Folklife (Television program)
Eyes on the Universe (Television program)
Strike up the Band (Television program)
An Ancient Game Reborn (Television program)
Past Visions of the Future (Television program)
That's Entertainment (Television program)
Our Violent Universe (Television program)
TR in Africa (Television program)
Outer Space Artist (Television program)
Happy Birthday, Hirshhorn Museum (Television program)
Say It Ain't So, Wesley (Television program)
Black Artists in the 19th Century (Television program)
Mechanical Musical Marvels (Television program)
America's Castle (Television program)
The Vanishing Frontier (Television program)
Deep Sea Mysteries (Television program)
The Smithsonian's Model Shop (Television program)
Keeping Orchids Alive (Television program)
Something to Hang the Paint On (Television program)
The World's Biggest Camera (Television program)
The Tale of the Kite (Television program)
Treasures of African Art (Television program)
Restoring it to 'Wright' (Television program)
Folklife '85 (Television program)
Advertising Yesterday and Today (Television program)
A Woman Ahead of Her Time (Television program)
The Old Country Post Office (Television program)
Magnificent Voyagers (Television program)
A Gallery for Today (Television program)
Balloon Astronomy (Television program)
Hollywood: Legend and Reality (Television program)
Black Wings (Television program)
Art in New Mexico (Television program)
At Home on the Road (Television program)
Folklife '86 (Television program)
The California Artist (Television program)
Brand New at the Zoo (Television program)
Discover Graphics (Television program)
Air and Space Anniversary (Television program)
Reaching Rural Africa (Television program)
At Mr. Hirshhorn 's Bequest (Television program)
A Smithsonian Holiday (Television program)
Russia: The Land and the People (Television program)
The Harlem Renaissance (Television program)
A Painter at Large (Television program)
From Field to Factory (Television program)
Second Nature (Television program)
Engines of Change (Television program)
Meet the Beetles (Television program)
Capturing the Spirit (Television program)
A Grasp of Reality (Television program)
Zoo Vets (Television program)
Spanning the Distance (Television program)
American Art Deco (Television program)
The Making of a Dinosaur (Television program)
Contemporary Expressions (Television program)
Remembering John La Farge (Television program)
Folklife Festival '87 (Television program)
Building a Biosphere (Television program)
Portrait of a Life (Television program)
Treasures Down Under (Television program)
African Splendors (Television program)
Dr. Sackler's Gift (Television program)
A Garden for All Seasons (Television program)
Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Television program)
Old and New Traditions (Television program)
From Reliable Sources (Television program)
A More Perfect Union (Television program)
Magellans of the Air (Television program)
Spineless Wonders (Television program)
King Herod's Dream (Television program)
Splendidly Stradivarius (Television program)
Different Drummers (Television program)
The Unseen Smithsonian (Television program)
New Deal Murals (Television program)
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Television program)
Folklife Exchange (Television program)
New Political Conventions (Television program)
Antietam Revisited (Television program)
Warming up to Reptiles (Television program)
Kalabari Kinetics (Television program)
Crossroads of Two Continents (Television program)
On the Air (Television program)
Cultural Crossroads (Television program)
The Jeweler's Eye (Television program)
The Perpetual Man Ray (Television program)
The Portraits of Isamu Noguchi (Television program)
African Sounding Forms (Television program)
Rocks in a Hard Place (Television program)
The Way to Independence (Television program)
Aloha, Hawai'i! (Television program)
A Continuity of Culture (Television program)
The Brush of Innocence (Television program)
Tending a Sculpture Garden (Television program)
A Holiday Celebration (Television program)
A Touch of Glass (Television program)
Duke Ellington, American Musician (Television program)
Happy Birthday, National Zoo (Television program)
The Decorative Designs of Frank Lloyd Wright (Television program)
Here at the Smithsonian (Television program)
Creator::
Smithsonian Institution. Office of Telecommunications Search this
Extent:
15.5 cu. ft. (15 record storage boxes) (1 document box)
Type:
Archival materials
Collection descriptions
Videotapes
Video recordings
Date:
1981-1991, 1996, 1999
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of videotapes and audiotapes created during the production of "Here At The Smithsonian" ("HATS"), an eight volume series of television productions.
The series was conceived by Nazaret Cherkezian, Director, Office of Telecommunications (1976-1986) and produced by Ann Carroll (Volumes I-IV) and John P. Meehan (Volumes V-VIII).
Due to funding cuts, the series ceased production in 1989.
"HATS" was a series of short features, designed and produced for broadcast via commercial newscasts to disseminate information about Smithsonian Institution exhibitions
and research activities. The features were short (no more than 2 minutes) and flexibly produced. Segments utilized split track audio allowing stations to use either the voice
of their own newscaster or the voice provided by the Smithsonian; beginnings and ends of the features were left with extra video and audio, permitting fade-in and fade-out;
and no one appearing on the features was identified on screen, allowing stations to use the fonts and typefaces normally used for their own newscasts. The brevity of segments
and flexible style of production made them easy to insert anywhere in a newscast.
During the second volume (1983), it became apparent that public television stations were much more interested in using the features than commercial news stations. Eventually,
the features were lengthened to three to four minutes to suit the public television format and further refined. Changes included the use of fade-in and fade-out to black;
fully mixed audio tracks; and identification of all on-screen persons. Also, a standard musical theme, opening and closing sequences, and titling, were added.
Volume I (1982) includes "At Home with the Apes;" "The Rebirth of Dinosaurs;" "Hooray for Amelia!;" "The Woolly Mammoth of Washington;" "How Does Your Sculpture Grow?;"
"Diplomats in Buckskins;" "Hooray for the Red, White and Blue;" "A Festival of Animals;" "What Lives in Your Lawn?;" "Celebrations 'Round the World;" "Horse Races on the Mall;"
"Living with the Eskimos;" "A Modern Noah's Ark;" and "Raphael Soyer: An Art of Real Life."
Volume II (1983) includes "Inside Meteorites;" "From Fiddles to Banjos;" "Corals in Captivity;" "A Life with Aviation;" "The Universe in a Box;" "The Ultimate Model;" "The
Elephant's Tale;" "Japan's Ceramic Treasures;" "A Museum for the Community;" "The World of Mathew Brady;" "American Picture Palaces;" "Time Capsule of the Revolution;" "The
Smithsonian's Giant Squid;" "Faulkner: A Living Portrait;" "Design for the People;" "Video Astronomy;" "France Meets New Jersey;" "Ballooning's 200th Birthday;" "The Art of
Craft;" and "An Invasion of Painters."
Volume III (1984) includes "Keeping Perfect Time;" "Nature Through a Viewfinder;" "The Precious Legacy;" "Surgery is Painless;" "Islam in Africa;" "Big Ideas in Small Packages;"
"The 20,000 Year-Old-Man;" "A Place for Touching;" "Microscopes Make it Big;" "The Plastic Historian;" "Panda Playground;" "More Than 'Whistler's Mother';" "Collecting the
'Stuff' of Politics;" "The Golden Age of Aviation;" "The Birdman of America;" "Celebrating American Folklife;" "Eyes on the Universe;" "Strike up the Band;" "An Ancient Game
Reborn;" "Past Visions of the Future;" "That's Entertainment;" "Our Violent Universe;" "TR in Africa;" "Outer Space Artist;" and "Happy Birthday, Hirshhorn Museum."
Volume IV (1985) includes "Say It Ain't So, Wesley;" "Black Artists in the 19th Century;" "Mechanical Musical Marvels;" "America's Castle;" "The Vanishing Frontier;" "Deep
Sea Mysteries;" "The Smithsonian's Model Shop;" "Keeping Orchids Alive;" "Something to Hang the Paint On;" "The World's Biggest Camera;" "The Tale of the Kite;" "Treasures
of African Art;" "A Modern Noah's Ark" (repeat); "Restoring it to 'Wright';" "Diplomats in Buckskins" (repeat);" "Folklife '85;" "Advertising Yesterday and Today;" "Video
Astronomy" (repeat);" "A Woman Ahead of Her Time;" and "The Old Country Post Office."
Volume V (1986) includes "Magnificent Voyagers;" "The Tale of the Kite" (extended); "A Gallery for Today;" "Balloon Astronomy;" "Hollywood: Legend and Reality;" "Black
Wings;" "Art in New Mexico;" "At Home on the Road;" "Folklife '86;" "The California Artist;" "Brand New at the Zoo;" "Discover Graphics;" "Air and Space Anniversary;" "Reaching
Rural Africa;" "At Mr. Hirshhorn 's Bequest;" "Corals in Captivity" (repeat); "A Smithsonian Holiday;" "Russia: The Land and the People;" "The Harlem Renaissance;" and "A
Painter at Large."
Volume VI (1987) includes "From Field to Factory;" "Second Nature;" "Engines of Change;" "Meet the Beetles;" "Capturing the Spirit;" "A Grasp of Reality;" "Zoo Vets;" "Spanning
the Distance;" "American Art Deco;" "The Making of a Dinosaur;" "TR in Africa" (repeat); "Contemporary Expressions;" "Remembering John La Farge;" "Folklife Festival '87;"
"Building a Biosphere;" "Portrait of a Life;" "Treasures Down Under;" "African Splendors;" "Dr. Sackler's Gift;" and "A Garden for All Seasons."
Volume VII (1988) includes "Climbing Jacob's Ladder;" "Old and New Traditions;" "From Reliable Sources;" "A More Perfect Union;" "Magellans of the Air;" "From Field to
Factory" (repeat);" "Spineless Wonders;" "King Herod's Dream;" "Splendidly Stradivarius;" "Different Drummers;" "The Unseen Smithsonian;" "New Deal Murals;" "The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts;" "Folklife Exchange;" "New Political Conventions;" "Antietam Revisited;" "Warming up to Reptiles;" "Kalabari Kinetics;" "Crossroads of Two Continents;" and
"On the Air."
Volume VIII includes "Cultural Crossroads;" "The Jeweler's Eye;" "Black Wings" (repeat); "The Perpetual Man Ray;" "The Portraits of Isamu Noguchi;" "African Sounding Forms;"
"Rocks in a Hard Place;" "Zoo Vets" (repeat); "The Way to Independence;" "Aloha, Hawai'i!;" "A Continuity of Culture;" "The Brush of Innocence;" "Engines of Change;" "Tending
a Sculpture Garden;" "A Holiday Celebration;" "A Smithsonian Holiday;" "A Touch of Glass;" "Duke Ellington, American Musician;" "Happy Birthday, National Zoo;" and "The Decorative
Designs of Frank Lloyd Wright."
Materials in this accession include original footage, segment masters, dub masters, dubs, interviews, and related materials on a variety of videotape formats and two reels
of 1/4" audiotape.
Note: The original materials were created by the Office of Telecommunications. Some dubs that are part of this accession were made by its successor units, Smithsonian Press/Smithsonian
Productions and Smithsonian Productions.
Note: Preservation copies of all episodes are located in Resv19, Boxes 5-8.
Restrictions:
Restrictions pertaining to the use of these materials may apply (based on contracts/copyright). Access restrictions may also apply if viewing copies are not currently available. Viewing copies can be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details.
Smithsonian Institution. Office of Telecommunications Search this
Extent:
0.5 cu. ft. (1 document box)
Type:
Archival materials
Collection descriptions
Videotapes
Place:
Japan
United States -- History
United States -- Social life and customs
Date:
1993-1994
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of videotapes created during the production of a number of joint television ventures between Nihon Hoso Kyokai (NHK), a Japanese television
network, and the Smithsonian Institution. Some programs deal with aspects of the Smithsonian and others with American history and culture. Materials include dubs and copies
on VHS.
Restrictions:
Restrictions pertaining to the use of these materials may apply (based on contracts/copyright). Access restrictions may also apply if viewing copies are not currently available. Viewing copies can be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details.
This accession consists of materials documenting the professional activities of conservation biologist Devra G. Kleiman, 1952-2010. Topics include her involvement in
professional associations, book reviews, her adjunct professorship at the University of Maryland at College Park, and British Broadcasting Corporation radio and television
appearances. Materials include correspondence, brochures, meeting materials, contracts, scripts, notes, and related materials.
American Dream at Groton (Television program : 1988)
American Pie (Television program : 1986)
A Certain Age (Television program : 1991)
Crossing the Distance (Television program : 1984)
Designs for Living (Television program : 1984)
Desk in the Jungle (Television program : 1985)
Doors of Perception (Television program : 1991)
The Elephant on the Hill (Television program : 1991)
Filling in the Blanks (Television program : 1984)
From Information to Wisdom (Television program : 1991)
Gender: The Enduring Paradox (Television program : 1991)
Heroes and the Test of Time (Television program : 1985)
Islam (Television program : 1987)
The Last Flower (Television program : 1984)
The Living Smithsonian (Television program : 1988)
A Moveable Feast (Television program : 1990)
Nigerian Art - Kindred Spirits (Television program : 1990)
On the Shoulders of Giants (Television program : 1986)
The Promise of the Land (Television program : 1987)
The Quantum Universe (Television program : 1990)
Selling the Dream (Television program : 1991)
Speaking Without Words (Television program : 1984)
Tales of Human Dawn (Television program : 1990)
Time and Light (Television program : 1984)
A Usable Past (Television program : 1984)
The Vever Affair (Television program : 1989)
Voices of Latin America (Television program : 1987)
The Way We Wear (Television program : 1988)
Web of Life (Television program : 1989)
Where None Has Gone Before (Television program : 1985)
The Wyeths: A Father and His Family (Television program : 1986)
Zoo (Television program : 1990)
Creator::
Smithsonian Institution. Office of Telecommunications Search this
Extent:
10 cu. ft. (10 record storage boxes)
Type:
Archival materials
Collection descriptions
Videotapes
Date:
1984-1991, 1995-1998, 2003
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of videotapes created during the production of "Smithsonian World," an educational television series that explored people, ideas, and events
that shape world culture, blending art, science, history, and the humanities to create an exciting harmony among disciplines. The production was narrated by historian David
G. McCullough and co-produced by WETA-TV for broadcast on the Public Broadcasting Service.
The series consisted of 6 seasons, each with 5-7 episodes. Each episode ran approximately 1 hour. Season 1 (1984-1985) episodes include "Time and Light;" "Crossing the
Distance;" "Speaking Without Words;" "Designs for Living;" "Filling in the Blanks;" "The Last Flower;" and "Desk in the Jungle." Season 2 (1985-1986) episodes include "Heroes
and the Test of Time;" "A Usable Past;" "Where None Has Gone Before;" "On the Shoulders of Giants;" and "American Pie." Season 3 (1986-1987) episodes include "The Wyeths:
A Father and His Family;" "Voices of Latin America;" "The Elephant on the Hill;" "The Promise of the Land;" and "Islam." Season 4 (1988-1989) episodes include "The Living
Smithsonian;" "American Dream at Groton;" "The Way We Wear;" "Web of Life;" and "The Vever Affair." Season 5 (1990) episodes include "Zoo;" "A Moveable Feast;" "Tales of the
Human Dawn;" Nigerian Art - Kindred Spirits;" and "The Quantum Universe." Season 6 (1991) episodes include "Gender: The Enduring Paradox;" "Selling the Dream;" "From Information
to Wisdom;" "A Certain Age;" and "Doors of Perception."
Materials include camera footage, film transfers, dubs, PAL dubs, credits, final productions, and promotions. There are a wide variety of videotape formats including 3/4"
U-matic, VHS, Betacam SP, and Betacam. Also included in this accession is an interview with Arthur M. Sackler done by Smithsonian World staff on 3/4" U-matic videotape. Reference
copies for some episodes are available.
Restrictions:
Restrictions pertaining to the use of these materials may apply (based on contracts/copyright). Access restrictions may also apply if viewing copies are not currently available. Viewing copies can be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details.
2.5 cu. ft. (1 record storage box) (3 document boxes)
Type:
Archival materials
Collection descriptions
Audiotapes
Compact discs
Videotapes
Date:
1998-1999
Descriptive Entry:
This accession documents the production of "The Mississippi: River of Song." Better known as "River of Song," this project combined a television series, radio series,
and 2-disc compact disc. The project as a whole explores the richness and vitality of American music at the close of the twentieth century through live performances and intimate
discussions with musicians along the course of the Mississippi River. The 4-part television series aired on the Public Broadcasting Service beginning in January 1999. It takes
viewers on a musical journey from the headwaters in northern Minnesota to the river's mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, creating a portrait of the American musician along the way.
All scenes were shot live on location and feature musicians that represent the regional culture. The 7-part radio series aired on Public Radio International affiliates beginning
in January 1999. The radio series is similar in content to the television series and is hosted by Ani DiFranco. The 2-CD set consists of 36 tracks of live recordings from
1995 through 1997. The CDs feature contemporary musicians who have forged their styles out of the rich musical heritage found along the banks of the Mississippi River. The
CDs were distributed through Smithsonian Folkways beginning in 1998. Materials in this accession include originals, production masters, archives, narration, sound mixes, distribution
copies, and promotional copies. Additional and detailed information about these productions may be found at The River of Song Project website at http://www.pbs.org/riverofsong/.
Restrictions:
Special restrictions on use of these materials may apply. Viewing/listening copies are not currently available, but can be made for a fee, Transferring office; 4/10/2002 memorandum, Peters to SIA; Contact reference staff for details.
Topic:
The Mississippi: River of Song (Television program : 1999) Search this
The Mississippi: River of Song (Radio program : 1999) Search this
Big Ideas in Small Packages (Television production)
Black Artists in the 20th Century (Television production)
Black Wings (Television production)
Brand New at the Zoo (Television production)
Capturing the Spirit (Television production)
Celebrating American Folklife (Television production)
Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Television production)
France Meets New Jersey (Television production)
From Fiddles to Banjos (Television production)
From Field to Factory (Television production)
From Reliable Sources (Television production)
Happy Birthday, Hirshhorn Museum (Television production)
Happy Birthday, National Zoo (Television production)
Hollywood Legend and Reality (Television production)
Hooray for Amelia! (Television production)
How Does Your Sculpture Grow? (Television production)
Inside Meteorites (Television production)
Islam in Africa (Television production)
Japan's Ceramic Heritage (Television production)
Joseph Cornell: The Universe in a Box (Television production)
Kalabari Kinetics (Television production)
Keeping Orchids Alive (Television production)
Keeping Perfect Time (Television production)
King Herod's Dream (Television production)
Living With the Eskimos (Television production)
Magellans of the Air (Television production)
Magnificent Voyagers (Television production)
Meet the Beetles (Television production)
Microscopes Make it Big (Television production)
More than Whistler's Mother (Television production)
New Deal Murals (Television production)
Old and New Traditions (Television production)
On the Air (Television production)
Our Violent Universe (Television production)
Outer Space Artist (Television production)
Panda Playground (Television production)
Portrait of a Life (Television production)
Raphael Soyer: An Art of Real Life (Television production)
Remembering John La Farge (Television production)
Restoring it to 'Wright' (Television production)
Rocks in a Hard Place (Television production)
Russia: The Land, The People (Television production)
Say it Ain't So, Wesley (Television production)
Second Nature (Television production)
Something to Hang the Paint On (Television production)
Spanning the Distance (Television production)
Spineless Wonders (Television production)
Strike Up the Bandstand (Television production)
Surgery is Painless (Television production)
Tending a Sculpture Garden (Television production)
That's Entertainment (Television production)
20,000 Year Old Man (Television production)
Art of Craft (Television production)
Birdman of America (Television production)
Brush of Innocence (Television production)
California Artist (Television production)
Common Wealth of Massachusetts (Television production)
Decorative Designs of Frank Lloyd Wright (Television production)
Elephant's Tale (Television production)
Golden Age of Aviation (Television production)
Harlem Renaissance (Television production)
Jeweler's Eye (Television production)
Making of a Dinosaur (Television production)
Painter at Large (Television production)
Perpetual Man Ray (Television production)
Plastic Historian (Television production)
Precious Legacy (Television production)
Rebirth of Dinosaurs (Television production)
Creator::
Smithsonian Institution. Office of Telecommunications Search this
Extent:
36.54 cu. ft. (58 document boxes) (7.54 tall document boxes)
Type:
Archival materials
Collection descriptions
Video recordings
Videotapes
Date:
1982-1989
Descriptive Entry:
Here At The Smithsonian was a series of short features for television created and produced by the staff of the Smithsonian's Office of Telecommunications between
the years 1982 and 1989. The series was designed for public dissemination of information about Smithsonian exhibition and research activities. Each year had a volume number
[1982 (Volume I) through 1989 (Volume VIII)], within the volume were multiple editions (four to five), and multiple segments within each edition (three to six). Although some
segments were repeated, they were often lengthened for a second broadcast. Features totaled 160 (including repeats).
This accession contains some of the original camera footage, all of the cut shows, and preservation masters of all of the cut shows. The initial features were written and
shot by in-house staff using rented professional broadcast equipment, recorded on U-matic tape, rough cut on U-matic tape, then edited to 1-inch tape at a commercial post
production house (first at FAX Productions in Bethesda, Maryland, then at Techniarts in Silver Spring, Maryland). Features were shot on Betacam beginning in 1987, and mastered
to D-2 beginning in 1989. In 1987, post production work moved to Henninger Video in Arlington, Virginia.
Due to the long run of the series, different individuals were associated with the various functions including series producer, segment producer, and narrator. Those playing
the largest roles in the development and refinement of Here At The Smithsonian were Ann Carroll (series producer, Volumes I - IV) and John P. Meehan (series producer
Volumes V - VIII).
Restrictions:
Restrictions pertaining to the use of these materials may apply (based on contracts/copyright). Access restrictions may also apply if viewing copies are not currently available. Viewing copies can be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details.
Topic:
Television -- Production and direction Search this
Reunions: Memories of an American Experience (Documentary film : 1979)
Leaf Thieves (Motion picture : 1963)
Mirrors on the Universe: The MMT story (Motion picture : 1979)
Sense of Discovery, The National Collection of Fine Arts (Motion picture : 1980)
Smithsonian Galaxy (Radio program)
Smithsonian World (Television program : 1984-1991)
Radio Smithsonian (Radio program)
Smithsonian Institution with S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary (Television program)
Here at the Smithsonian (Television program)
Creator::
Smithsonian Institution. Office of Telecommunications Search this
Extent:
7.5 cu. ft. (7 record storage boxes) (1 document box)
Type:
Archival materials
Collection descriptions
Clippings
Manuscripts
Date:
circa 1963-1988
Descriptive Entry:
These records primarily document the activities of OTC under Director Nazaret Cherkezian. A small amount of records were created by Paul B. Johnson. There are also
a few records created by OTC's predecessor offices. The records include correspondence, memoranda, proposals, contracts, budgets, reports, newspaper clippings, press releases,
scripts, and related materials concerning OTC radio broadcasts Radio Smithsonian and Smithsonian Galaxy; television and film productions, especially "Smithsonian World" and
the Emmy award-winning "The Smithsonian Institution with S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary;" production planning; facilities and equipment, including the construction of the OTC
studio in the National Museum of History and Technology; and administrative records.
Historical Note:
The Office of Telecommunications (OTC) was established on August 15, 1976, as a separate unit reporting directly to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public
Service. Prior to the creation of OTC, coordination of Smithsonian telecommunication activities was a function of the Smithsonian Museum Service, 1958-1965; the Office of
Public Information, 1965-1967; and the Office of Public Affairs, 1967-1976. OTC develops ideas for the production of programs and broadcast series for public and commercial
television and radio, films, and related visual and audio materials, which bring a better understanding of the Smithsonian to American and foreign audiences. OTC is also the
contact point for all interested outside producers of telecommunications projects relating to all Smithsonian bureaus. OTC broadcast series have included Radio Smithsonian,
a national, weekly radio program providing information about the multi-disciplinary activities of the Institution which was in production from 1969 to 1990; Smithsonian Galaxy,
a series of short radio features highlighting the work of Smithsonian curators, scientists, and researchers broadcast from 1979 to 1987; and Here at the Smithsonian, a series
of short features for television, produced from 1982 to 1989. In addition, OTC produces films of special events of the Institution; provides archival recordings of conferences,
symposia, and other programs; and produces films for Smithsonian exhibitions. Nazaret Cherkezian was appointed Director of OTC in 1976. He retired in 1986 and was replaced
by Assistant Director Paul B. Johnson who served as Acting Director, 1986-1988, and Director, 1988-2002.
Smithsonian Institution. Office of Telecommunications Search this
Extent:
17.9 cu. ft. (16 record storage boxes) (5 film boxes)
Type:
Archival materials
Collection descriptions
Motion pictures (visual works)
Date:
circa 1963-1989
Descriptive Entry:
This record unit consists of 16mm motion picture films produced by the Office of Telecommunications (OTC) and its predecessors, the Smithsonian Museum Service, the
Office of Public Information, and the Office of Public Affairs. Also included are films created by outside producers in collaboration with OTC. Included are black and white
and color films, workprints, and silent films. Of special interest are films of Smithsonian special events, bureaus, facilities, equipment, exhibitions, openings, and staff;
films of politicians and celebrities at the Smithsonian including Lyndon Baines Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Hubert H. Humphrey, and Alan B. Shepard, Jr.;
films from the 1966 National Broadcasting Corporation series THE SMITHSONIAN; and Smithsonian-produced films The Leaf Thieves, 1963, which documents the planning and fabrication
of a proposed rain forest exhibition in the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), and The Smithsonian's Whale, 1964, which concerns the construction of a 92-foot model
blue whale in NMNH.
Restrictions:
Restrictions pertaining to the use of these materials may apply (based on contracts/copyright). Access restrictions may also apply if viewing copies are not currently available. Viewing copies can be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details.
Topic:
Motion pictures -- Production and direction Search this
Mirrors on the Universe: The MMT story (Motion picture : 1979)
Smithsonian Institution with S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary (Television program)
Reunions: Memories of an American Experience (Documentary film : 1979)
Creator::
Smithsonian Institution. Office of Telecommunications Search this
Extent:
0.25 cu. ft. (1 half document box)
Type:
Archival materials
Collection descriptions
Black-and-white photographs
Date:
circa 1977 and undated
Descriptive Entry:
This record unit consists of photographs of Cherkezian, circa 1977; Grayson, circa 1977; and Cornell, writer of the OTC film "Mirrors on the Universe: The MMT Story."Also
included are photographs of the Emmy award received by OTC for the television show "The Smithsonian Institution with S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary," and images from the OTC
film "Reunion: Memories of an American Experience."
Historical Note:
Nazaret Cherkezian served as Director of the Office of Telecommunications (OTC) from 1976 to 1987. William C. Grayson was Special Coordinator of the Office of Telecommunications
in 1976, and later became Senior Telecommunications Specialist from 1977 to 1980 (deceased April 15, 1980). James Cornell was Manager of Publications at the Smithsonian Astrophysical
Observatory (SAO) at Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1979.
Topic:
Motion pictures -- Production and direction Search this
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.
Cherkezian was interviewed for the Oral History Collection because of his role as one of the pioneers of public television and his tenure as a Smithsonian administrator.
Descriptive Entry:
Cherkezian was interviewed in December of 1986 by John Peterson for a University of Maryland oral history seminar project. The interview covers his education and career
in public affairs and television at New York University; experiences as producer for WCBS-TV in New York; public relations and television production for public broadcasting
at National Educational Television; coverage of Watergate and Washington politics for the National Public Affairs Center for Television; and career as Director of the Office
of Telecommunications at the Smithsonian.
The collection consists of 1.5 hours of audiotape recordings which have been remastered digitally into 3 preservation digital audio .wav files and 3 reference digital audio
.mp3 files, and c. 35 pages of transcript.
Historical Note:
Nazaret "Chic" Cherkezian (1924-1996), was born in Queens, New York. He attended New York University (NYU) where he received a B.A. in Journalism and completed all
course work for an M.B.A. in Economic History.
Cherkezian began his career as a journalist in 1946 as a staff member of the New York Herald Tribune. In 1949, he entered the public relations field as Associate
Director and Senior Press Representative for the New York University Office of Information Services. While at NYU, he helped found the Office of Radio and Television, where
he was Associate Director and Producer from 1954 to 1957. During these years he helped to create the successful Sunrise Semester educational television series.
In 1957, Cherkezian began producing the weekly television series Eye on New York for WCBS-TV. He left commercial television in 1959 to become Director of Public
Information for National Educational Television (NET). He advanced to Executive Producer in 1965, a position which he held until 1972. He was awarded fellowships by The Ford
Foundation and National Association of Educational Broadcasters to continue development in this field.
Cherkezian came to Washington in 1973 to accept a post as Director of Programming for the National Public Affairs Center for Television (NPACT). His Smithsonian career
began in 1974 when he became Telecommunications Coordinator for the Office of Public Affairs. Cherkezian was named Director of the Office of Telecommunications upon its creation
in 1976, serving until his retirement in 1986. As Director of the Office of Telecommunications, Cherkezian was responsible for the Smithsonian's radio, television, and film
productions. His many credits include A Sense of Discovery, Here at the Smithsonian, Yorktown, and Peace Be Still.
Topic:
Television -- Production and direction Search this
This accession consists of press kits for a variety of radio productions including "Black Radio: Telling It Like It Was;" "River of Song: A Musical Journey Down the
Mississippi River;" "Guitar: Electrified, Amplified, Deified;" "Jazz Smithsonian;" "Spirits of the Present: The Legacy of Native America;" "Folk Masters at the Barns of Wolf
Trap;" "Cole Porter's 100th from Carnegie Hall;" and "Radio Smithsonian." Also included are promotional materials for the television production "River of Song: Music Along
the Mississippi" and the documentary video "Dream Window: Reflections on the Japanese Garden." Materials include fact sheets, marketing materials, general correspondence,
graphics associated with the production, and other promotional materials. Some fact sheets include licensing and fee information as well as short biographies of the performers
involved.
This accession consists of records created and maintained by John P. Meehan, Audio-Visual Production Specialist; Jacquie Gales Webb, Producer; Paul B. Johnson, Director;
and other Radio Smithsonian staff, documenting the planning, development, and execution of original radio series and programs.
Radio productions documented in this accession include "Memphis: Cradle of Rock 'n' Soul;" "Folk Masters at the Barns of Wolf Trap;" "Jazz Smithsonian;" "Remembering Slavery;"
"River of Song: A Musical Journey Down the Mississippi River;" "Jazz Singers;" "Black Radio: Telling It Like It Was;" "Red, Hot, and Blue!;" and "Radio Smithsonian." Video
productions documented in this accession include "Perpetual Campaign: The President, The People, and The Court;" "Negative Campaigns;" "Low Road to High Office?;" "Beyond
Category: the Musical Genius of Duke Ellington;" "Jazz Age in Paris: 1914-1940;" "Rescue in the Wild: Endangered Species and Habitat Protections at SI;" "The National Zoo:
Think Tank;" "Afro-Americans and the Evolution of a Living Constitution;" "First Ladies;" "Workers and Managers;" "Celebrations;" "Titanic Mail Story;" and "Swedish Sculpture."
Television productions documented in this accession include "River of Song: Music Along the Mississippi;" "Here at the Smithsonian;" and "People and Pianos: 300 Years."
Films documented in this accession include "Preserving an Architectural Heritage: The Decorative Designs by Frank Lloyd Wright" and "In Open Air: A Portrait of the American
Impressionists."
Materials include correspondence, memoranda, notes, scripts, treatments, release forms, contracts, photographs, clippings, press releases, and budgets.
This accession consists of records documenting the administrative and business affairs of Smithsonian Productions, created and maintained by Nazaret Cherkezian, Director,
1976-1986, and Paul B. Johnson, Director, 1988-2002. Some materials were created by the Smithsonian Institution, Division of Performing Arts before the production of classical
recordings was moved to Smithsonian Productions. Materials include budgets, productions schedules, correspondence, memoranda, agreements, marketing materials, marketing surveys,
catalogs, clippings, and advisory board records.
Dream Window: Reflections on the Japanese Garden (Documentary film : 1991)
Creator::
Smithsonian Press/Smithsonian Productions Search this
Extent:
1 cu. ft. (1 record storage box)
Type:
Archival materials
Collection descriptions
Manuscripts
Clippings
Brochures
Date:
1989-1997
Descriptive Entry:
This accession includes the records of Laura T. Schneider, Audio-Visual Production Specialist, documenting her work on the television program "Dream Window: Reflections
on the Japanese Garden." The materials consist of correspondence, memoranda, and notes pertaining to production, proposals, and meetings; promotion funding and expense information;
production schedule, script, and credits; license agreements and releases; shoot logs; contracts; and research information.
1.5 cu. ft. (1 record storage box) (1 document box)
Type:
Archival materials
Collection descriptions
Manuscripts
Date:
1987-2001
Descriptive Entry:
This accession includes records documenting the film, video, and radio production activities of Paul B. Johnson, Director. Materials include correspondence and memoranda;
production scripts, schedules, and tape logs; license agreements and releases; contracts; marketing information; budget summaries; and travel itineraries.
Productions documented in these records include: "If This House Could Talk...Historic Homes, Extraordinary Americans," "Guide to the Smithsonian" (Visitor Information and
Associates' Reception Center film), "Jazz Smithsonian," "Remembering Slavery," "Piano Grand!," and "Piano 300."
