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.
Smithsonian Speech Synthesis History Project Original Website:
Smithsonian Speech Synthesis History Project website
This website was created by Dave Maxey in 2002 to document the history of the project and to provide extensive information about the collection materials.
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, ΒΌ" 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.
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
1 cu. ft. (1 record storage box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Color photographs
Date:
1987-1994
Descriptive Entry:
The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) was created in 1985. It is a multidisciplinary organization, including persons within the fields
of anthropology, zoology, botany, geology, paleontology, and others interested in the development and preservation of natural history collections. This accession consists
of records documenting Gerald R. Fitzgerald's activities as a member and officer of SPNHC. Most of the files were created during Fitzgerald's tenure as President of SPNHC,
1992-1993, and document annual meetings, the work of SPNHC committees, and SPNHC by-laws and organization. Included are photographs from annual meetings.
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
0.5 cu. ft. (1 document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Books
Brochures
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Color photographs
Date:
1988-1999
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) records. Materials include registration packets, calls for papers, programs
and abstracts to annual meetings, flyers, meeting minutes, correspondence concerning the Conservation and Resources and the Awards and Recognition Committees, and photographs
and slides from the 1998 annual meeting in Edmonton, Alberta.
Topic:
Natural history -- Catalogs and collections Search this
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
3 cu. ft. (3 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Books
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Color photographs
Date:
circa 1981-1995
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of the files of Cesar Romero-Sierra as President of the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC), 1988-1989; materials
regarding the 1995 annual meeting of SPNHC; the files of Catharine A. Hawks as a member of the SPNHC Conservation Committee; the files of the SPNHC Liaison Committee; photographs
of the 1995 annual meeting in Toronto; the files of Frederick Collier, J. Phillip Angle, and Catharine A. Hawks as SPNHC Council and Committee members; and miscellaneous SPNHC
publications.
Topic:
Natural history -- Catalogs and collections Search this
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
2 cu. ft. (2 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Books
Manuscripts
Posters
Date:
circa 1986-1994
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) Treasurer's records created by J. P. Cuerrier and Suzanne B. McLaren,
1985-1992. Also included is miscellaneous material mostly concerning SPNHC annual meetings, and general correspondence, 1985-1988. Some materials are in electronic format.
Topic:
Natural history -- Catalogs and collections Search this
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
3 cu. ft. (3 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Newsletters
Date:
1987-1993
Descriptive Entry:
The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) was created in 1985. It is a multi-disciplinary organization, including persons within the fields
of anthropology, zoology, botany, geology, paleontology, and others interested in the development and preservation of natural history collections. These records consist mostly
of Paisley S. Cato's files as Editor of SPNHC documenting the publication of Society publications Collection Forum and SPNCH Newsletter. Also included are
smaller amounts of SPNCH promotional material and records concerning the 1993 SPNCH annual meeting in Victoria, British Columbia.
Topic:
Natural history -- Catalogs and collections Search this
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
0.5 cu. ft. (1 document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Newsletters
Date:
1987, 1991, 2006-2007
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of records regarding Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) annual meetings, publications, finances, elections,
and committees. Materials include correspondence, minutes, newsletters and other serial publications, an annual meeting registration packet, and other related materials documenting
SPNHC activities.
Rights:
Restricted for 15 years, until Jan-01-2023; Transferring office; 7/11/1990 Agreement of Transfer; Contact reference staff for details.
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
3 cu. ft. (3 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Books
Brochures
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Color photographs
Date:
1981-1993
Descriptive Entry:
The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) was created in 1985. It is a multidisciplinary organization, including persons within the fields
of anthropology, zoology, botany, geology, paleontology, and others who are interested in the development and preservation of natural history collections. These records document
the establishment and early history of SPNHC and include officers files, committee files and reports, membership records, annual meeting materials, copies of the Collection
Forum (SPNHC Journal) and the SPNHC Newsletter, and advertising files for Collection Journal. A small amount of material pre-dates the establishment of SPNHC
and concerns the 1981 and 1985 Workshops on the Care and Maintenance of Natural History Collections in Ottawa and Toronto.
Topic:
Natural history -- Catalogs and collections Search this
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
1 cu. ft. (1 record storage box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Compact discs
Color photographs
Video recordings
Black-and-white photographs
Electronic records
Date:
1992-2005
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of records regarding Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) annual meetings, publications and committees. Records
include correspondence, minutes, newsletters and other serial publications, photographs, a videotape, and related materials documenting SPNHC activities. Some materials are
in electronic format.
Rights:
Restricted for 15 years, until Jan-01-2021; Transferring office; 7/11/1990 Agreement of Transfer; Contact reference staff for details.
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
1 cu. ft. (1 record storage box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Compact discs
Black-and-white negatives
Black-and-white photographs
Electronic records
Date:
2005-2006
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of records regarding Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) annual meetings, publications, finances, elections,
and committees. Materials include correspondence, minutes, newsletters and other serial publications, photographs, videotapes, and other related materials documenting
SPNHC activities. Some materials are in electronic format.
Rights:
Restricted for 15 years, until Jan-01-2022; Transferring office; 7/11/1990 Agreement of Transfer; Contact reference staff for details.
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
3 cu. ft. (3 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Newsletters
Black-and-white photographs
Black-and-white negatives
Color photographs
Date:
1989-2003
Descriptive Entry:
This accesssion consist of records regarding Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) annual meetings, publications and committees. Materials
include correspondence, minutes, newsletters and other serial publications, photographs, and related materials documenting SPNHC activities.
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
1.5 cu. ft. (1 record storage box) (1 document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Newsletters
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Black-and-white negatives
Date:
1990-2004
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of records regarding Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) annual meetings, publications and committees. Materials
include correspondence, minutes, newsletters and other serial publications, photographs, and related materials documenting SPNHC activities.
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
1 cu. ft. (1 record storage box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Books
Brochures
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Date:
1996-1999
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of records that document the activities of the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC). Materials include annual
meeting materials, business and council meeting minutes, newsletters, publications, flyers, and photographs of annual meetings.
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
18 cu. ft. (17 record storage boxes) (2 document boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Newsletters
Black-and-white negatives
Black-and-white photographs
Color photographs
Color transparencies
Date:
1992-2001
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) Membership Committee records, color and black-and-white prints, color
slides, election information, annual meeting materials for the 1999-2001 meetings, symposia materials, newsletters and Collection Forum publications.
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
1 cu. ft. (1 record storage box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Books
Brochures
Newsletters
Manuscripts
Compact discs
Electronic records
Ephemera
Black-and-white negatives
Black-and-white photographs
Color photographs
Date:
1991-2000
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of records that document the activities of the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC). Materials include election
committee records, newsletters, publications, photographs and negatives, annual meeting materials and ephemera, accountants' reports, meeting minutes, correspondence, and
the 2000 membership directory. Some materials are in electronic format.
Storage of Natural History Collections: Ideas and Practical Solutions (Monograph : 1992)
SPNHC Newsletter
Collection Forum (Serial)
SPNHC Connection (Newsletter)
Creator::
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections Search this
Extent:
12 cu. ft. (12 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Newsletters
Electronic images
Electronic records
Optical disks
Drawings
Black-and-white photographs
Color photographs
Date:
1982-2018
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of materials concerning Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) annual meetings, educational programs, publications,
finances, elections, and committees. SPNHC affiliated people documented in the collection include Suzanne MacLaren, Judith Price, Lisa Palmer, Linda Hollenberg, Carolyn L.
Rose, and Paisley S. Cato. Particularly well documented is the SPNHC publication, Storage of Natural History Collections: Ideas and Practical Solutions, 1992, which
was funded by a grant from the Institute for Museum Services. Also included is the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Newsletter which is printed bi-annually
in March and September. The Newsletter highlights scientific collections, the society's presidential and committees' reports, publications of interests and more. In
2014, the Newsletter became the SPNHC Connection. Also, a part of the collection is the Collection Forum, the official journal of SPNHC, that is published
to disseminate substantive information concerning the development and preservation of natural history collections.
Materials include correspondence, meeting minutes, newsletters and other serial publications, annual meeting records, workshop records, membership lists, committee records,
reports, budget records, images, drawings, grant records, author releases, leadership manuals, financial records, and other related materials documenting SPNHC activities.
Some materials are in electronic format.
Rights:
Restricted for 15 years, until Jan-01-2034; Transferring office; 7/11/1990 Agreement of Transfer; Contact reference staff for details.
Smithsonian Institution. Conservation Analytical Laboratory Search this
Extent:
1 cu. ft. (1 record storage box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Videotapes
Date:
1994-1995, 1998, and undated
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of recordings of programs and training courses created by the Conservation Analytical Laboratory. Topics covered include paper and photograph
conservation. Materials include videotapes.
Smithsonian Institution. Conservation Analytical Laboratory Search this
Extent:
1 cu. ft. (1 record storage box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Date:
1982-1986
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of records related to the Conservation Analytical Laborary's (CAL) participation in the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP),
in particular Task Group G which dealt with the Effects on Materials and Cultural Resources. These records were maintained by R. M. Organ, Director (1968-1983) and Lambertus
Van Zelst, Director (1985-2004). Materials include correspondence, memoranda, guidelines, data, a black-and-white photograph, and reports.
Topic:
Materials -- Conservation and restoration Search this
Smithsonian Institution. Conservation Analytical Laboratory Search this
Extent:
1 cu. ft. (1 record storage box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Clippings
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Date:
1962-1975
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of incoming and outgoing correspondence created and maintained by the Chief, Robert M. Organ. Correspondence concerns Conservation Analytical
Laboratory (CAL) relations with universities, historical societies and organizations, conservators, and other institutions and individuals pertaining to conservation issues
and advice, general inquiries, and symposia and conferences.
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession T89051, Smithsonian Institution, Conservation Analytical Laboratory, Records of the Chief (Robert M. Organ)
