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Smithsonian Speech Synthesis History Project

Collector:
Maxey, H. David  Search this
Creator:
National Museum of American History (U.S.)  Search this
Inventor:
American Telephone and Telegraph Company  Search this
Bell Telephone Laboratories  Search this
International Business Machines Corporation  Search this
Massachusetts Institute of Technology  Search this
Klatt, Dennis  Search this
Kurzweil, Ray  Search this
Extent:
8 Cubic feet (32 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Sound recordings
Diskettes
Dictograph
Date:
1939-1999
Summary:
The Smithsonian Speech Synthesis History Project, conducted by H. David Maxey from 1986 through 2002, created a collection of archival materials documenting the history and development of speech synthesis technology. Maxey collaborated with Dr. Bernard Finn, Elliot Sivowitch and Harold Wallace of the National Museum of American History's Division of Information, Technology, and Society.
Scope and Contents:
The collection documents a project done by H. David Maxey in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution. The collection consists of administrative files containing correspondence, project reports, and other infomation about the Smithsonian Speech Synthesis History Project. The project files, arranged geographically and alphabetically contains information about specific speech synthesis projects and inventions. The reprints series consists of reprints of articles which Maxey collected and organized separately. This series is organized both numerically and alphabetically. The audiovisual materials contain the recordings of talks, meetings, and samples of speech synthesis described in the projects outlined in the project files.
Arrangement:
The original SSSHP numbers assigned by Dave Maxey are included in portions of the Container List. They are the basis for the organization of Maxey's original index to and description of the collection. Maxey assigned the numbers sequentially in the order he received each numbered item.

The collection is arranged into four series.

Series 1, Administrative Files,1986-2002

Series 2, Project Files, 1939-1999

Series 3, Reprints, 1939-1999

Series 4: Audiovisual Materials,1939-1999

Subseries 1, ¼" Open Reel Audiotape

Subseries 2, Audiocassettes

Subseries 3, Miscellaneous

Subseries 4, Reference and Protection Audiotapes and CDs
Biographical / Historical:
The Smithsonian Speech Synthesis History Project, conducted by H. David Maxey from 1986 through 2002, created a collection of archival materials including sound recordings documenting the history and development of speech synthesis technology. Maxey collaborated with Dr. Bernard Finn of the National Museum of American History's Division of Information, Technology, and Society. Elliot Sivowitch and Harold Wallace of the same division served as Smithsonian liaisons with the project.

"Speech synthesis technology" refers to the results of a long, evolutionary process in which researchers learned to create artificial sounds that people would interpret as speech. As early as the eighteenth century scientists were inventing mechanical machines to create sounds similar to human speech. Later electronics led to additional developments, The Voder was one of the earliest examples which was demonstrated to wide acclaim at the 1939 New York World's Fair. However, it was the widespread use of computers that led to the greatest progress in the field of speech synthesis.

Speech synthesis is the process by which a computer speaks. By contrast, speech recognition is when a computer can interpret spoken language. The application of both of these capabilities has been important for creating assistive computer technology for the visually impaired (speech recognition) and for individuals unable to speak (speech synthesis).

Among the leading researchers and organizations involved with the development of speech synthesis technologies are the Anerican Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T), Bell Telephone Laboratories, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dennis H. Klatt, and Ray Kurzweil.

Today speech synthesis is a common feature of daily life from the cultured voice on the GPS saying exactly which road to take to making a train reservation on the telephone. However, many speech synthesis developers continue to explore and design methods to make the speech sound less mechanical, with the ultimate challenge being natural sounding speech that shows emotion.

Dave Maxey's dedication to the project, with support from members of the staff of the National Museum of American History, has ensured the preservation of materials documenting the early history of electronic and computer engineered synthetic speech.
Related Materials:
Artifacts related to this collection are in the Division of Work & Industry, Electricity Collections.
Provenance:
The collection was created for the Smithsonian Institution from 1986-2002 by Dave Maxey in collaboration with Dr. Bernard Finn of the National Museum of American History's Division of Information, Technology, and Society, assisted by Elliot Sivowitch and Harold Wallace of the same division.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Only reference copies of audiovisual materials may be used.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Topic:
Computer sound processing  Search this
Voder  Search this
Speech synthesis  Search this
Speech  Search this
Computers  Search this
Assistive computer technology  Search this
Genre/Form:
Sound recordings
Diskettes
Dictograph
Citation:
Smithsonian Speech Synthesis History Project Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0417
See more items in:
Smithsonian Speech Synthesis History Project
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep86cff14d8-dea1-4a3c-b7f2-37a5e66d11b9
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0417

Jacques Seligmann & Co. records, 1904-1978, bulk 1913-1974

Creator:
Jacques Seligmann & Co.  Search this
Subject:
Hauke, Cesar M. de (Cesar Mange)  Search this
Glaenzer, Eugene  Search this
Haardt, Georges  Search this
Seligman, Germain  Search this
Seligmann, Arnold  Search this
Parker, Theresa D.  Search this
Waegen, Rolf Hans  Search this
Trevor, Clyfford  Search this
Seligmann, René  Search this
Seligmann, Jacques  Search this
De Hauke & Co., Inc.  Search this
Jacques Seligmann & Co  Search this
Eugene Glaenzer & Co.  Search this
Germain Seligmann & Co.  Search this
Gersel  Search this
Type:
Gallery records
Citation:
Jacques Seligmann & Co. records, 1904-1978, bulk 1913-1974. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Topic:
Mackay, Clarence Hungerford, 1874-1938 -- Art collections  Search this
Schiff, Mortimer L. -- Art collections  Search this
Arenberg, duc d' -- Art collections  Search this
Liechtenstein, House of -- Art collections  Search this
Art -- Collectors and collecting -- France -- Paris  Search this
Art -- Collectors and collecting  Search this
World War, 1939-1945 -- Art and the war  Search this
La Fresnaye, Roger de, 1885-1925  Search this
Art, Renaissance  Search this
Decorative arts  Search this
Art treasures in war  Search this
Art, European  Search this
Theme:
Art Gallery Records  Search this
Art Market  Search this
Record number:
(DSI-AAA_CollID)9936
(DSI-AAA_SIRISBib)212486
AAA_collcode_jacqself
Theme:
Art Gallery Records
Art Market
Data Source:
Archives of American Art
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:AAADCD_coll_212486
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Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Measurements:
overall: 3 1/2 in x 2 1/2 in x 1 in; 8.89 cm x 6.35 cm x 2.54 cm
Object Name:
hearing aids
Other Terms:
Medicine
Credit Line:
Dictograph Products Company, Inc.
ID Number:
MG.M-04757
Catalog number:
M-04757
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-8464-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726555
Online Media:

Abbott's Monthly Vol. II No. 5

Created by:
Abbott's Monthly, American, 1929 - 1933  Search this
Published by:
Robert Sengstacke Abbott, American, 1830 - 1940  Search this
Edited by:
Lucius Clinton Harper, American, 1895 - 1952  Search this
Medium:
ink on paper
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 11 3/8 x 8 9/16 x 1/4 in. (28.9 x 21.7 x 0.6 cm)
Type:
magazines (periodicals)
Place made:
3435 Indiana Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America
Place depicted:
Uruguay, Latin America, South America
Date:
May 1931
Topic:
African American  Search this
Black Press  Search this
Literature  Search this
Mass media  Search this
Credit Line:
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Bobbie Ross in memory of Elizabeth Dillard
Object number:
2012.84.1
Restrictions & Rights:
Public domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
See more items in:
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification:
Documents and Published Materials-Published Works
Data Source:
National Museum of African American History and Culture
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58f7ecbd1-e6d0-4323-9d05-7542750216f8
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmaahc_2012.84.1
1 Page(s) matching your search term, top most relevant are shown: View entire project in transcription center
  • View <I>Abbott's Monthly Vol. II No. 5</I> digital asset number 1

[Trade catalogs from Dictograph Products Co., Inc.]

Company Name:
Dictograph Products Co., Inc.  Search this
Related companies:
Acousticon (div.) ; General Acoustic Co. (previous name) ; Dictograph Security Systems (Florham Park, NJ)  Search this
Notes content:
"Symphonic acousticons," hearing aid devices ; "acousticon" perpetual batteries for hearing aids ; "telematic" intracommunication systems ; "dictograph" intercommunicating systems (system of "interior telephones") ; intercom systems ; back of one piece also has advertisement for Dictaphone Sales Corp.
Includes:
Trade catalog
Black and white images
Color images
Physical description:
22 pieces; 1 box
Language:
English
Type of material:
Trade catalogs
Trade literature
Place:
New York, New York, United States
Date:
1900s
Topic (Romaine term):
Medical and surgical instruments and supplies  Search this
Office equipment and supplies  Search this
Telephone; telegraph and telecommunications equipment and supplies  Search this
Topic:
Medical instruments and apparatus industry  Search this
Office equipment and supplies industry  Search this
Surgical instruments and apparatus industry  Search this
Telecommunication systems  Search this
Telephone  Search this
Telephone supplies industry  Search this
Record ID:
SILNMAHTL_12760
Location:
Trade Literature at the American History Museum Library
Collection:
Smithsonian Libraries Trade Literature Collections
Data source:
Smithsonian Libraries
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:SILNMAHTL_12760

[Trade catalogs from Dictograph Security Systems]

Company Name:
Dictograph Security Systems  Search this
Related companies:
Guardian Industries, Inc. ; Dictograph Products Co., Inc.  Search this
Notes content:
Dictograph security systems
Includes:
Trade catalog and histories
Black and white images
Physical description:
5 pieces; 1 box
Language:
English
Type of material:
Trade catalogs
Trade literature
Place:
Florham Park, New Jersey, United States
Date:
1900s
Topic (Romaine term):
Locks and safes (including alarm and security systems)  Search this
Topic:
Locks and keys  Search this
Safes  Search this
Security systems  Search this
Record ID:
SILNMAHTL_41034
Collection:
Smithsonian Libraries Trade Literature Collections
Data source:
Smithsonian Libraries
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:SILNMAHTL_41034

Dictograph radio loudspeaker

Maker:
Dictograph Products Company  Search this
Measurements:
loudspeaker: 12 in x 9 1/2 in x 10 in; 30.48 cm x 24.13 cm x 25.4 cm
Object Name:
Loudspeaker
Other Terms:
Loudspeaker; Audio Devices
Date made:
ca 1923
Credit Line:
Transfer from the National Park Service, Harpers Ferry, WV
ID Number:
ZZ.RSN81548U25
Serial number:
4952
Collector/donor number:
863
See more items in:
Work and Industry: Electricity
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b2-e131-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_710801

Hearing Aid

Maker:
Dictograph Products Company  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 3 1/4 in x 5 in x 3/4 in; 8.255 cm x 12.7 cm x 1.905 cm
Object Name:
hearing aids
Other Terms:
Medicine
Place made:
United States: New York, New York
Date made:
1923
Credit Line:
Dictograph Products Company, Inc.
ID Number:
MG.M-04753
Catalog number:
M-04753
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-8073-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726518
Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Maker:
Dictograph Products Company  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 3 1/2 in x 2 in x 5 in; 8.89 cm x 5.08 cm x 12.7 cm
Object Name:
hearing aids
Other Terms:
Medicine
Place made:
United States: New York, New York City
Associated Place:
United States: New York, New York City
Credit Line:
Dictograph Products Company, Inc.
ID Number:
MG.M-04750
Catalog number:
M-04750
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-845d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726547
Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Measurements:
overall: 2 3/4 in x 4 in x 1 in; 6.985 cm x 10.16 cm x 2.54 cm
Object Name:
hearing aids
Other Terms:
Medicine
Credit Line:
Dictograph Products Company, Inc.
ID Number:
MG.M-04762
Catalog number:
M-04762
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-8461-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726552
Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Measurements:
overall: 5 1/2 in x 2 1/2 in x 1 in; 13.97 cm x 6.35 cm x 2.54 cm
Object Name:
hearing aids
Other Terms:
Medicine
Credit Line:
Dictograph Products Company, Inc.
ID Number:
MG.M-04763
Catalog number:
M-04763
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-8847-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726563
Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Measurements:
overall: 5 1/4 in x 2 1/2 in x 1 in; 13.335 cm x 6.35 cm x 2.54 cm
Object Name:
hearing aids
Other Terms:
Medicine
Credit Line:
Dictograph Products Company, Inc.
ID Number:
MG.M-04758
Catalog number:
M-04758
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-895c-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726566
Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Maker:
Dictograph Products Company  Search this
Dictograph Products Company  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 4 1/2 in x 5 in x 1 in; 11.43 cm x 12.7 cm x 2.54 cm
Object Name:
hearing aids
Other Terms:
Medicine
Date made:
1927
Credit Line:
Dictograph Products Company, Inc.
ID Number:
MG.M-04754
Catalog number:
M-04754
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-895d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726567
Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Maker:
Dictograph Products Company  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 4 in x 4 in; 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm
Object Name:
hearing aids
Other Terms:
Medicine
Credit Line:
Dictograph Products Company, Inc.
ID Number:
MG.M-04760
Catalog number:
M-04760
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-895e-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726568
Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Maker:
Dictograph Products Company  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 5 1/2 in x 3 1/2 in x 1 in; 13.97 cm x 8.89 cm x 2.54 cm
Object Name:
hearing aids
Other Terms:
Medicine
Credit Line:
Dictograph Products Company, Inc.
ID Number:
MG.M-04755
Catalog number:
M-04755
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-8a5b-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726570
Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Maker:
Dictograph Products Company  Search this
Measurements:
overall, as stored: 1 7/8 in x 5 1/8 in x 6 1/2 in; 4.76504 cm x 13.0175 cm x 16.51 cm
Object Name:
hearing aid
Other Terms:
Medicine
Associated Place:
United States: New York, New York City
ID Number:
MG.M-04761
Catalog number:
M-04761
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ad-c262-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726572
Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Maker:
Dictograph Products Company  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 3 1/2 in x 1 in; 8.89 cm x 2.54 cm
Object Name:
hearing aids
Other Terms:
Medicine
Credit Line:
Dictograph Products Company, Inc.
ID Number:
MG.M-04756
Catalog number:
M-04756
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b3-4aca-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726576
Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Measurements:
overall: 6 in x 4 1/2 in x 1 in; 15.24 cm x 11.43 cm x 2.54 cm
Object Name:
hearing aids
Other Terms:
Medicine
Credit Line:
Dictograph Products Company, Inc.
ID Number:
MG.M-04752
Catalog number:
M-04752
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-8a5f-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726577
Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Maker:
Dictograph Products Company  Search this
Dictograph Products Company  Search this
Measurements:
overall, as stored: 2 in x 5 1/2 in x 6 in; 5.08 cm x 13.97 cm x 15.24 cm
Object Name:
hearing aid
Other Terms:
Medicine
Place made:
United States: New York, New York City
Associated Place:
United States: New York, New York City
Date made:
1933
Credit Line:
Dictograph Products Company, Inc.
ID Number:
MG.M-04759
Catalog number:
M-04759
Accession number:
151789
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-77ab-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_726591
Online Media:

Hearing Aid

Maker:
Dictograph Products Company  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 7/8 in x 2 5/8 in x 3 1/4 in; 2.2225 cm x 6.6675 cm x 8.255 cm
overall: 3/4 in x 2 5/8 in x 3 1/4 in; 1.905 cm x 6.6675 cm x 8.255 cm
Object Name:
hearing aid
Place made:
United States
Date made:
1932
Subject:
Buck Rogers  Search this
ID Number:
1978.0328.34
Catalog number:
1978.0328.34
Accession number:
1978.0328
Serial number:
1556
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ad-5bc8-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1412162
Online Media:

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