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Exhibition Records, 1972, 1981, 1983-2013, and undated

Creator:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Department  Search this
Subject:
Neal, Valerie  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Division  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Department of Space History  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Department of Space Science and Exploration  Search this
United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration  Search this
Where Next, Columbus? (Exhibition) (1992-2002: Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Moving Beyond Earth (Exhibition) (2009-2022: Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Space Race (Exhibition) (1997-2022: Washington, D.C.)  Search this
The Violent Universe (Exhibition) (1996: Washington, D.C.)  Search this
How Things Fly (Exhibition) (1996-2020: Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Star Trek (Exhibition) (1992-1993: Washington, D.C.)  Search this
All Systems Go: America's Space Transportation Systems for the 1990s (Traveling exhibition) (1989)  Search this
America's Space Truck: The Space Shuttle (Exhibition) (1987-1998: Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (Exhibition) (1986-1997: Washington, D.C.)  Search this
America's Smithsonian (Traveling exhibition) (1995-1998)  Search this
Physical description:
8 cu. ft. (8 record storage boxes)
Type:
Manuscripts
Collection descriptions
Clippings
Brochures
Pamphlets
Newsletters
Transcripts
Digital versatile discs
Floppy disks
Electronic records
Illustrations
Floor plans
Drawings
Black-and-white negatives
Black-and-white photographs
Black-and-white transparencies
Color negatives
Color photographs
Color transparencies
Place:
Outer space
Date:
1972
1972-2013
1972, 1981, 1983-2013, and undated
Topic:
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Astronautical museums  Search this
Museum curators  Search this
Museum exhibits  Search this
Traveling exhibitions  Search this
Space sciences  Search this
Museums--Collection management  Search this
Exploration  Search this
Local number:
SIA Acc. 22-109
See more items in:
Exhibition Records 1969-2022 [National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Department]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_404814

Website Records, 1991-2020

Creator:
Smithsonian Enterprises  Search this
Uniform title:
Air and Space Magazine  Search this
Subject:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.)  Search this
Type:
Electronic records
Collection descriptions
Web sites
Date:
1991
1991-2020
Topic:
Web sites  Search this
Blogs  Search this
Museums--Public relations  Search this
Museum publications  Search this
Aeronautics  Search this
Astronautics  Search this
Local number:
SIA Acc. 22-094
See more items in:
Website Records 1987-2021 [Smithsonian Enterprises]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_404750

Exhibition Records, 1969-2022

Creator:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Department  Search this
Subject:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Department of Space History  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Division  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space Science and Exploration Department  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Department of Astronautics  Search this
Physical description:
11.5 cu. ft. processed holdings
32.40 cu. ft. unprocessed holdings
Type:
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Color photographs
Floor plans
Color transparencies
Audiotapes
Videotapes
Floppy disks
Clippings
Pamphlets
Brochures
Exhibition catalogs
Electronic records
Videodiscs
Compact discs
Transcripts
Architectural drawings
Black-and-white negatives
Black-and-white transparencies
Color negatives
Books
Drawings
Illustrations
Digital versatile discs
Place:
Outer space
Date:
1969
1969-2022
Topic:
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Astronautical museums  Search this
Exhibitions  Search this
Museum exhibits  Search this
Space sciences  Search this
Museum curators  Search this
Museums--Collection management  Search this
Museums--Educational aspects  Search this
Columbus Quincentenary, 1992-1993  Search this
Traveling exhibitions  Search this
Exploration  Search this
Local number:
SIA RS00704
See more items in:
Exhibition Records 1969-2022 [National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Department]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_219830

Subject Files, 1955, 1960-2020

Creator:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Division  Search this
Physical description:
34 cu. ft. processed holdings
33.16 cu. ft. unprocessed holdings
Type:
Black-and-white photographs
Electronic records
Floppy disks
Digital versatile discs
Clippings
Brochures
Newsletters
Color transparencies
Pamphlets
Compact discs
Black-and-white negatives
Color photographs
Color negatives
Black-and-white transparencies
Floor plans
Illustrations
Videotapes
Serials (publications)
Date:
1955
1955-2020
1955, 1960-2020
Topic:
Astronautics  Search this
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Astronautical museums  Search this
Museum curators  Search this
Space sciences  Search this
Local number:
SIA RS00703
See more items in:
Subject Files 1955, 1960-2020 [National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Division]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_219829

Curatorial Records, 1955, 1961, 1964-1969, 1975-2013, 2015, 2018

Creator:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Department  Search this
Subject:
Neal, Valerie  Search this
Enterprise (Space shuttle)  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Division  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Department of Space History  Search this
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center  Search this
Space Telescope History Project (U.S.)  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Department of Space Science and Exploration  Search this
United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration  Search this
Physical description:
9 cu. ft. (9 record storage boxes)
Type:
Manuscripts
Collection descriptions
Clippings
Brochures
Newsletters
Pamphlets
Digital versatile discs
Floppy disks
Compact discs
Electronic records
Floor plans
Illustrations
Black-and-white negatives
Black-and-white photographs
Color negatives
Color photographs
Black-and-white transparencies
Color transparencies
Videotapes
Date:
1964
1964-1969
1955, 1961, 1964-1969, 1975-2013, 2015, 2018
Topic:
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Astronautical museums  Search this
Museum curators  Search this
Museum exhibits  Search this
National Air and Space Museum Trophy  Search this
Special events  Search this
Museums--Collection management  Search this
Local number:
SIA Acc. 22-073
See more items in:
Subject Files 1955, 1960-2020 [National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Division]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_404739

Curatorial Records

Names:
Enterprise (Space shuttle)  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.). Department of Space History  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.). Department of Space Science and Exploration  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.). Space History Division  Search this
Space Telescope History Project (U.S.)  Search this
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center  Search this
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration  Search this
Neal, Valerie  Search this
Extent:
9 cu. ft. (9 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Clippings
Brochures
Newsletters
Pamphlets
Digital versatile discs
Floppy disks
Compact discs
Electronic records
Floor plans
Illustrations
Black-and-white negatives
Black-and-white photographs
Color negatives
Color photographs
Black-and-white transparencies
Color transparencies
Videotapes
Date:
1955, 1961, 1964-1969, 1975-2013, 2015, 2018
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of records documenting the various curatorial activities of Valerie Neal, curator in the Space History Department. Documents pertain to exhibit planning, display updates, National Air and Space Museum (NASM) Trophy process and events, collections care and plans, Space Telescope History Project, exhibit space upgrades, special events, object worksheets, loan materials, agreements, schedules, funding, royalty reports, visitor comment forms, and inquiries. A significant topic covered in this accession includes the Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 101 Enterprise Space Shuttle, which was transferred to NASM and maintained at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in 1985 from the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Some records date to when the department was known as the Department of Space Science and Exploration (1980-1986), the Department of Space History (1987-1996), and Space History Division (1997-2013). Some records originated from other organizations at earlier dates and provide more context. Materials include correspondence, agreements, charts, memoranda, contracts, outlines, floor plans, illustrations, presentations, captions, scripts, budget plans, proposals, photographs, negatives, transparencies, agendas, notes, pamphlets, invitations, meeting minutes, reports, articles, news clippings, newsletters, brochures, publications, VHS cassettes, and related materials. Some materials are in electronic format.
Topic:
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Astronautical museums  Search this
Museum curators  Search this
Museum exhibits  Search this
National Air and Space Museum Trophy  Search this
Special events  Search this
Museums -- Collection management  Search this
Genre/Form:
Manuscripts
Clippings
Brochures
Newsletters
Pamphlets
Digital versatile discs
Floppy disks
Compact discs
Electronic records
Floor plans
Illustrations
Black-and-white negatives
Black-and-white photographs
Color negatives
Color photographs
Black-and-white transparencies
Color transparencies
Videotapes
Citation:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 22-073, National Air and Space Museum. Space History Department, Curatorial Records
Identifier:
Accession 22-073
See more items in:
Curatorial Records
Archival Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-sia-fa22-073

Duxford, Imperial War Museum

Author:
Imperial War Museum (Great Britain)  Search this
Physical description:
48 p. : ill. (some col.), plan ; 30 cm
Type:
Books
Place:
Great Britain
Date:
1997
Topic:
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Airplanes--Museums  Search this
Call number:
UG623.3 G72 D98 1997
Data Source:
Smithsonian Libraries
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_sil_701022

Project Files, 1981-2013

Creator:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Center for Earth and Planetary Studies  Search this
Physical description:
7.5 cu. ft. unprocessed holdings
Type:
Black-and-white photographs
Brochures
Maps
Pamphlets
Manuscripts
Field notes
Black-and-white negatives
Black-and-white transparencies
Color photographs
Color transparencies
Floppy disks
Scientific illustrations
Electronic records
Audio cassettes
Date:
1981
1981-2013
Topic:
Astronautical museums  Search this
Research  Search this
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Museums--Educational aspects  Search this
Local number:
SIA RS00713
Restrictions & Rights:
Materials less than 15 years old Restricted. Contact reference staff for details
See more items in:
Project Files 1981-2013 [National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Center for Earth and Planetary Studies]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_219868

Army Aeronautical Museum (Wright Field, OH)

Collection Creator:
National Air and Space Museum. Archives Division.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Collection Restrictions:
The majority of the Archives Department's public reference requests can be answered using material in these files, which may be accessed through the Reading Room at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. More specific information can be requested by contacting the Archives Research Request.
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Technical Reference Files: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers
National Air and Space Museum Technical Reference Files: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers / Series U: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers, by Name
Archival Repository:
National Air and Space Museum Archives
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/pg232bd1684-11cd-4cda-8459-bb75ed3f1914
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nasm-xxxx-1183-u-ref199

Army Aeronautical Museum (Wright Field, OH) [Documents]

Collection Creator:
National Air and Space Museum. Archives Division.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Collection Restrictions:
The majority of the Archives Department's public reference requests can be answered using material in these files, which may be accessed through the Reading Room at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. More specific information can be requested by contacting the Archives Research Request.
Identifier:
NASM.XXXX.1183.U, File UA-766000-01
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Technical Reference Files: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers
National Air and Space Museum Technical Reference Files: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers / Series U: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers, by Name / Army Aeronautical Museum (Wright Field, OH)
Archival Repository:
National Air and Space Museum Archives
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/pg2e6c91b4d-2bdf-4612-85e2-246a74e6bb67
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nasm-xxxx-1183-u-ref200

United States Aeronautical Museum (Portage County Airport, OH)

Collection Creator:
National Air and Space Museum. Archives Division.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Collection Restrictions:
The majority of the Archives Department's public reference requests can be answered using material in these files, which may be accessed through the Reading Room at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. More specific information can be requested by contacting the Archives Research Request.
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Technical Reference Files: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers
National Air and Space Museum Technical Reference Files: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers / Series U: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers, by Name
Archival Repository:
National Air and Space Museum Archives
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/pg25b3df187-c096-4482-9d21-37db43a63e90
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nasm-xxxx-1183-u-ref2027

United States Aeronautical Museum (Portage County Airport, OH) [Documents]

Collection Creator:
National Air and Space Museum. Archives Division.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Collection Restrictions:
The majority of the Archives Department's public reference requests can be answered using material in these files, which may be accessed through the Reading Room at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. More specific information can be requested by contacting the Archives Research Request.
Identifier:
NASM.XXXX.1183.U, File UU-507000-01
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Technical Reference Files: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers
National Air and Space Museum Technical Reference Files: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers / Series U: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers, by Name / United States Aeronautical Museum (Portage County Airport, OH)
Archival Repository:
National Air and Space Museum Archives
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/pg2c7975d85-d9fc-480f-a456-761744620f61
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nasm-xxxx-1183-u-ref2028

Army Aeronautical Museum (Wright Field, OH) [Photos]

Collection Creator:
National Air and Space Museum. Archives Division.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Collection Restrictions:
The majority of the Archives Department's public reference requests can be answered using material in these files, which may be accessed through the Reading Room at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. More specific information can be requested by contacting the Archives Research Request.
Identifier:
NASM.XXXX.1183.U, File UA-766000-80
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Technical Reference Files: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers
National Air and Space Museum Technical Reference Files: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers / Series U: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers, by Name / Army Aeronautical Museum (Wright Field, OH)
Archival Repository:
National Air and Space Museum Archives
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/pg20e285c86-1348-4a21-b938-f2a19f572c0c
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nasm-xxxx-1183-u-ref203

Army Aeronautical Museum (Wright Field, OH) [Negatives]

Collection Creator:
National Air and Space Museum. Archives Division.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Collection Restrictions:
The majority of the Archives Department's public reference requests can be answered using material in these files, which may be accessed through the Reading Room at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. More specific information can be requested by contacting the Archives Research Request.
Identifier:
NASM.XXXX.1183.U, File UA-766000-85
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Technical Reference Files: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers
National Air and Space Museum Technical Reference Files: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers / Series U: Museums, Exhibits, Memorials, Planetariums, Science Centers, by Name / Army Aeronautical Museum (Wright Field, OH)
Archival Repository:
National Air and Space Museum Archives
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/pg2d31c6c0f-3b2a-4d1a-95b5-ab4da7e6bdc7
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nasm-xxxx-1183-u-ref206

Exhibition Records, 1971-2017

Creator:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Aeronautics Department  Search this
Subject:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Aeronautics Division  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Department of Aeronautics  Search this
Physical description:
25.5 cu. ft. unprocessed holdings
Type:
Manuscripts
Clippings
Floor plans
Black-and-white photographs
Black-and-white negatives
Floppy disks
Architectural drawings
Drawings
Sketches
Color photographs
Black-and-white transparencies
Color transparencies
Color negatives
Electronic records
Compact discs
Digital images
Digital versatile discs
Motion pictures (visual works)
Date:
1971
1971-2017
Topic:
Aeronautics  Search this
Exhibitions  Search this
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Museum exhibits  Search this
Loans  Search this
Museum curators  Search this
Lectures and lecturing  Search this
Congresses and conventions  Search this
Museums--Educational aspects  Search this
Local number:
SIA RS00696
See more items in:
Exhibition Records 1971-2017 [National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Aeronautics Department]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_219822

Model, Static, Wright "R", 1910

Model Maker:
Charles H. Hubbell  Search this
Materials:
Wood (Frame)
Paint
Organic Fiber Fabric
Flocked Fabric
Ferrous Alloy
Rubber
Dimensions:
Model: 13.7 × 49.2 × 52.1cm (5 3/8 × 19 3/8 × 20 1/2 in.)
Type:
MODELS-Aircraft
Country of Origin:
United States of America
Credit Line:
Model by Charles H. Hubbell, ca. 1940. Gift of Thompson Products Aeronautical Museum.
Inventory Number:
A19470014000
Restrictions & Rights:
CC0
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location:
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Exhibition:
Early Flight
Data Source:
National Air and Space Museum
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv940a1fd4f-c5d1-4b82-8c9a-54de262521fc
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nasm_A19470014000
Online Media:

Model, Static, Curtiss D, 1910

Model Maker:
Charles H. Hubbell  Search this
Materials:
Wood
Natural Fiber Fabric
Paint
Plastic
Ferrous Alloy
Cotton Thread
Adhesive
Dimensions:
Model: 15.2 × 51 × 69cm (6 in. × 20 1/16 in. × 27 3/16 in.)
Type:
MODELS-Aircraft
Country of Origin:
United States of America
Credit Line:
Model by Charles H. Hubbell, ca. 1940. Gift of Thompson Products Aeronautical Museum.
Inventory Number:
A19470015000
Restrictions & Rights:
CC0
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location:
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Exhibition:
Early Flight
Data Source:
National Air and Space Museum
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv956f215bf-47cf-414f-816f-465c108cf09e
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nasm_A19470015000
Online Media:

Curatorial Records, 1886-2020

Creator:
National Museum of American History (U.S.) Division of Medicine and Science  Search this
Subject:
Mitman, Carl Weaver 1889-  Search this
Garber, Paul Edward 1899-1992  Search this
Church, Ted  Search this
Taylor, Frank A (Frank Augustus) 1903-2007  Search this
Forman, Paul  Search this
Finn, Bernard S. 1932-  Search this
Sivowitch, Elliot N  Search this
Molella, Arthur P. 1944-  Search this
King, W. James (William James) 1915-  Search this
Multhauf, Robert P  Search this
Briscoe, Nance L  Search this
Stine, Jeffrey K  Search this
Chelnick, Judy M  Search this
United States National Museum Division of Engineering  Search this
United States National Museum Section of Transportation and Civil Engineering  Search this
WMAL (Radio station : Washington, D.C.)  Search this
National Museum of History and Technology (U.S.) Division of Electricity and Nuclear Energy  Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.) Division of Electricity and Modern Physics  Search this
Museum of History and Technology (U.S.) Division of Electricity  Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.) Division of Information Technology and Society  Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.) Division of the History of Technology  Search this
Physical description:
4 cu. ft. processed holdings
25.75 cu. ft. unprocessed holdings
Type:
Manuscripts
Audiotapes
Phonograph records
Clippings
Black-and-white photographs
Color photographs
Brochures
Books
Black-and-white transparencies
Electronic mail
Electronic records
Pamphlets
Digital images
Compact discs
Date:
1886
1886-2020
Topic:
Physics--History  Search this
Electricity--History  Search this
Engineering  Search this
Aeronautics  Search this
Museums--Collection management  Search this
Technology--History  Search this
Museum curators  Search this
Local number:
SIA RS00401
See more items in:
Curatorial Records 1886-2020 [National Museum of American History (U.S.) Division of Medicine and Science]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_220170

Correspondence

Names:
Milestones of Flight (Exhibition) (1976-2016: Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Casey, Louis S.  Search this
Garber, Paul Edward, 1899-1992  Search this
Lopez, Donald S., 1923-2008  Search this
Meyer, Robert B.  Search this
Newland, Kenneth E.  Search this
Wooldridge, E. T.  Search this
Extent:
36.5 cu. ft. (73 document boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Date:
1965-1986
Descriptive Entry:
These records document the history of the Department of Aeronautics from 1966-1986, a period marked by intensive planning for the new museum, its construction and opening in July 1976, and the emergence of the National Air and Space Museum as a large and important bureau of the Smithsonian and the most visited museum in the world.

At the beginning of this period, departmental correspondence with any person or group outside the Institution was maintained in one file on a year-by-year basis. Later, it was separated into correspondence with persons, with other museums, with organizations and corporations, and with the military. In this collection, all correspondence dated 1966-1976 has been combined into one series. Correspondence dated 1977-1986 is separated into four series, divided as above, arranged alphabetically. Internal memoranda are arranged chronologically. Also included in the collection are files concerning the Milestones of Flight First Day Cover Series, 1972-1981; a file of correspondence with artists and modelers, 1966-1978; and a few miscellaneous subject files.

Although a large portion of this correspondence consists of fairly routine requests for information from the public, there is also much concerning specimens and serious aviation research. The latter reflects the growing commitment of the Aeronautics staff to research. The records document some on-going controversies of aeronautical history, such as that regarding Amelia Earhart's last voyage and, more importantly, the claims that Gustav Whitehead flew before the Wright Brothers.

The internal memoranda are a particularly rich source of information on the day-to-day operations of the Department. They concern everything from yearly goals and long-range projects to the small details of exhibits upkeep. The planning for the new building is evident even in 1966, and it remains a central focus, gathering momentum. The memoranda provide documentation of the task of planning so many galleries at the same time, coordinating the move, and achieving the opening - on schedule.

For earliest records of the National Air Museum, researchers should consult Record Unit 162. Other records documenting the time covered in this collection include those of the Office of the Director, Record Units 306 and 338; the Department of Astronautics (later Space Science and Exploration, and Space History), Record Units 347, 348, and 398; and the Contractors' Files, Record Unit 358.
Historical Note:
In July 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed into law a bill authorizing construction of a new building for the newly-renamed National Air and Space Museum (NASM). It had been twenty years since the National Air Museum was established, also by law, in 1946. During that period the growing collection had been exhibited partly in the Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building and partly in a hangar, known since World War I as the Aircraft Building, in the south yard of the Smithsonian Castle. Additional aircraft and reference materials were in storage at Silver Hill, Maryland. S. Paul Johnston, who became Director of the Museum in 1964, initiated a Master Plan in 1965 which called for reorganization and improvement at Silver Hill, improvement of exhibitions on the Mall, and planning for the new building.

There had been a Section of Aeronautics under the old administrative hierarchy since 1933. Paul E. Garber, who had joined the staff of the Institution in 1919, had risen to Assistant Curator of Aeronautics. By 1966, Garber's title was Assistant Director (Education and Information), and Aeronautics was divided into three parts: Flight Craft, Flight Materiel, and Flight Propulsion, headed by curators Louis S. Casey, Kenneth E. Newland, and Robert B. Meyer, respectively. Garber officially retired in 1969 but remained as Historian Emeritus and Ramsey Research Associate into the 1990s. With Garber's retirement, Casey became Acting Assistant Director, while Frank A. Taylor succeeded Johnston, becoming Acting Director in 1970.

Meanwhile, the Apollo 11 voyage to the moon of 1969 helped fuel the desire for building the new Air and Space Museum. Ex-astronaut Michael Collins was named Director in 1971, a ground-breaking ceremony was held in November 1972, and the entire staff began detailed preparations for an expected opening during the 1976 Bicentennial.

The plans for the new museum called for twenty-three exhibit halls, many of which were related to aeronautics, making aircraft restoration and exhibit preparation the major concerns of this period.

In 1975 the staff moved into the new building and completed installation of the exhibits in time for the July 1, 1976 opening.

The late 1970s and the early 1980s were a period of new emphasis on historical and scientific research. The Charles A. Lindbergh Chair of Aerospace History was established in 1977, and Charles Harvard Gibbs-Smith, Keeper Emeritus of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, became the first occupant. An international fellowship was established, along with the Verville Fellowship. Various symposia on figures such as Lindbergh, the Wright Brothers, and Amelia Earhart were held, and the General Electric Lecture Series began. In 1980 the department held a seminar on Forty Years of Jet Aviation. The Aeronautics Department initiated a new aviation book series, Famous Aircraft of the National Air and Space Museum, and plans were made to issue a bibliography called a Guide to Aerospace History Sources. In 1986 NASM announced the establishment of the National Air and Space Archives, a national center for research in aerospace history.

Donald S. Lopez was named Assistant Director (Aeronautics) in 1972. In 1980 his title was changed to Chairman, Aeronautics Department. Paul Garber had been named Historian Emeritus. By the late 1970s, the department included Curators Walter J. Boyne, Louis S. Casey, Robert B. Meyer, Jr., Robert C. Mikesh, Claudia M. Oakes, Edmund T. Wooldridge, and C. Glen Sweeting. In 1981 curators Tom D. Crouch and Von D. Hardesty joined the aeronautics staff, and Boyne became Assistant Director of the Museum, now led by Noel Hinners. In 1982 Boyne became Acting Director and then Director of the Museum in 1983, with Donald S. Lopez becoming Deputy Director, and Edmund T. Wooldridge, Jr., Chairman of the Aeronautics Department. Wooldridge served as Chairman of the Department, 1983-1986.
Topic:
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Museum curators  Search this
Museum exhibits  Search this
Aeronautics -- History  Search this
Citation:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 330, National Air and Space Museum. Department of Aeronautics, Correspondence
Identifier:
Record Unit 330
See more items in:
Correspondence
Archival Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-sia-faru0330

Records

Names:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.)  Search this
United States. Air Force  Search this
United States. Army  Search this
United States. Civil Aeronautics Board  Search this
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration  Search this
United States. Navy  Search this
Garber, Paul Edward, 1899-1992  Search this
Goddard, Esther C.  Search this
Hopkins, Philip S.  Search this
Johnston, S. Paul (Samuel Paul), 1899-  Search this
Mitman, Carl Weaver, 1889-  Search this
Extent:
27 cu. ft. (27 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Date:
1912-1971
Descriptive Entry:
Important correspondents include Paul E. Garber, Esther Goddard, Philip S. Hopkins, and S. Paul Johnson. Institutions collaborating with NASM include the United States Army, Navy, and Air Force, NASA, and the Civil Aeronautics Administration.
Historical Note:
The National Air Museum (NAM) was created as a separate bureau of the Smithsonian Institution by Act of Congress in 1946. Twenty years later its name was changed to the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) as part of the Congressional Act authorizing construction of a separate building to house its collections.

Previous to 1946 the NASM collections were under the custodial care of the Department of Anthropology, Division of Mechanical Technology, 1887-1919, and the Department of Arts and Industries, Division of Mechanical Technology, 1919-1931, then the Division of Engineering, 1931-1946.

With the creation of NAM, Carl W. Mitman, head curator of the Division of Engineering, became Assistant to the Secretary for NAM. Mitman retired from the Smithsonian in 1952 and Philip S. Hopkins was appointed as the Museum's first director in 1958. Hopkins was succeeded by S. Paul Johnson, 1964-1969, Frank A. Taylor, acting director, 1969-1971, and Michael Collins, 1971 to the present.

Though the first accessioned artifact in the collection was the John F. Stringfellow engine in 1889, the NASM collection dates back to the close of the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia when the Smithsonian received a group of kites from the Chinese Imperial Commission.
Topic:
Astronautical museums  Search this
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Aeronautics -- History  Search this
Genre/Form:
Manuscripts
Citation:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 162, National Air and Space Museum, Records
Identifier:
Record Unit 162
See more items in:
Records
Archival Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-sia-faru0162

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