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)
Extent:
0.25 cu. ft. (1 half document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
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
Reunions: Memories of an American Experience (Documentary film : 1979)
Extent:
6.58 cu. ft. (6 record storage boxes) (1 tall document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Motion pictures (visual works)
Video recordings
Sound recordings
Date:
1978-1979
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of image and sound elements from the documentary "Reunions: Memories of an American Experience." The film focused upon certain "vital oldsters"
who represent the creative drive and excellence of the American past. Two 16 mm versions of the documentary were produced in cooperation with the Office of Exhibits Central
and, featured interviews with Harold Doolittle (also known as "Jimmy" Doolittle) the pioneering aviator and, Gustav Tafel, who, at the time, was the nation's largest manufacturer
and exporter of homeopathic medicines. The two versions consisted of: one 28-minute pilot for general entertainment and education featuring both Doolittle and Tafel and, another
29-minute educational documentary on Tafel. Voices and persons featured, other than Doolittle and Tafel, include: Burgess Meredith, Presidents Gerald R. Ford and Ronald Reagan;
and Donald S. Lopez of the National Air and Space Museum. Materials include original camera negatives, 1/4" audiotapes, 16 mm release prints, 16 mm color reverse internegatives,
3/4" U-matic tapes, 16 mm and 35 mm prints, and one folder of transcripts for the opening narration and wild sound summary of the Doolittle interview.
Restrictions:
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.
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)
Extent:
7.5 cu. ft. (7 record storage boxes) (1 document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
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.
Reunions: Memories of an American Experience (Documentary film : 1979)
Extent:
1 cu. ft. (1 record storage box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Documentary films
Audiotapes
Motion pictures (visual works)
Date:
1976-1977
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of audiovisual materials created during the production of a filmed interview of Oscar Wiedmann, carpenter, pioneer, and tool collector. The
interview was performed on September 21, 1976 by Otto Mayr, Curator, National Museum of History and Technology, Department of History of Science. Some materials may have been
used to produce "Reunions: Memories of an American Experience." Materials include original masters, magnetic mix, soundtrack, audio footage, and a print.
Restrictions:
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.
Men of Greatness, Feats of Daring (Video recording : 1985)
Place of Dreams (Motion picture : 1978)
Reunions: Memories of an American Experience (Documentary film : 1979)
To Fly! (Motion picture : 1976)
Uncovering the Earth (Video recording : 1986)
Uncovering the Earth (Video recording : 1992)
Berlin Airlift (Motion picture : 1984)
Air & Space (Serial)
Creator::
Smithsonian Institution. Office of Telecommunications Search this
Extent:
1.38 cu. ft. (1 record storage box) (1 film box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Audiotapes
Videotapes
Motion pictures (visual works)
Place:
United States -- History
Date:
1976, 1978-1979, 1986, 1992, undated
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of audiovisual materials created during the production of "Place of Dreams;" "Men of Greatness, Feats of Daring;" "Reunions: Memories of an
American Experience;" "To Fly!;" "Uncovering the Earth;" and "Berlin Airlift." "Place of Dreams" features a close-up look at the National Air and Space Museum's unparalleled
collection, displays from the museum's exhibit halls, early newsfilm of flight's pioneers, and vintage photographs. It serves as both a history of modern flight's sung and
unsung heroes and a celebration of the museum building and its collections. The hour-long television program is hosted by Cliff Robertson and aired on the Public Broadcasting
Service on December 13, 1978, the 75th anniversary of manned flight. "Men of Greatness, Feats of Daring" is a 7-minute film that most likely accompanied an exhibition at the
National Air and Space Museum.
"Reunions: Memories of an American Experience" features General James Harold Doolittle's early air racing experiences and visits with Gustav Tafel, homeopathic pharmaceutical
manufacturer. Both men represent the creative drive and excellence of the American past. The 1979 production also features Burgess Meredith, Gerald R. Ford, Ronald Reagan,
and Donald S. Lopez. "To Fly!" is a joint project between the IMAX Corporation and the National Air and Space Museum. It was first released in 1976 and then rereleased for
its twentieth anniversary in 1996. "Uncovering the Earth" accompanied the National Air and Space Museum exhibit "Looking at Earth." A 5-minute video was first produced in
1986. In 1992, the film was redone and a 10-minute version replaced the original. "Berlin Airlift" was produced in 1984 and likely accompanied an exhibition. Also in this
accession are materials related to the Air & Space Magazine. Materials in this accession include release prints, masters, interviews, and related materials. Also included
is a press release for "Place of Dreams."
Restrictions:
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.
New Age: A Videowall Experience (Video recording : 1990)
Yesterday's Tomorrows: Visions of the Future on Film (Video recording : 1984)
Our Biosphere: The Earth in Our Hands (Motion picture : 1989)
Sea: A Quest for Our Future (Motion picture : 1984)
Magnificent Voyagers (Documentary film)
Global Environment: Are We Overreacting? (Video recording : 1989)
Northwest Indian Mask Making (Documentary film : 1987)
Reunions: Memories of an American Experience (Documentary film : 1979)
Blue Planet (Motion picture : 1985)
Coral Reefs: New Discoveries, New Resources (Motion picture : 1985)
Tigers! (Video recording : c. 1995)
First Ladies (Video recording : 1989)
Movie Palaces (Motion picture : 1986)
Extent:
1 cu. ft. (1 record storage box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Color photographs
Color transparencies
Audiotapes
Date:
1979-1995
Descriptive Entry:
This accession includes records documenting the film and video production activities of Karen Loveland, Director of Special Projects for the Office of Telecommunications.
Material consists of correspondence, memoranda, and notes; production shoot lists, scripts, and credits; budget summaries; license agreements and contracts; press releases;
grant information; and on-site production shoot photographs.
Productions documented in these records include: "The New Age: A Videowall Experience," "Yesterday's Tomorrows: Past Visions of America's Future," "Our Biosphere: The Earth
in Our Hands," "The Sea: A Quest for Our Future," "Magnificent Voyagers," "The Global Environment: Are We Overreacting?," "Northwest Indian Mask Making," "Reunions: Memories
of an American Experience," "Blue Planet," "Coral Reefs: New Discoveries, New Resources," "Tigers!", "The First Ladies," and "The Movie Palaces."
Coral Reefs: How to Make Use of 400 Million Years of Evolution (Motion picture : c. 1981)
John Bull: The World's Oldest Operable Locomotive (Documentary film : 1981)
Maine Coast (Documentary film : c. 1982)
Leaf Making: Or the Secret Life of Museum Plants (Motion picture : c. 1981)
Changes: The Story of Evolution and Speciation (Motion picture : c. 1979)
Quadrangle (Documentary film : c. 1984)
Flue-Cured Tobacco Culture (Documentary film : c. 1983)
Big Cats and How They Came to Be (Motion picture : 1976)
Census: Accounting for the Nation (Motion picture : 1974)
Thomas A. Edison and His Amazing Invention Factories (Motion picture : 1979)
Ghosts of Forever (Motion picture : c. 1982)
Who Would Have Thought? (Proposed documentary film : 1970)
Giant Panda Story (Motion picture : c. 1974)
Shells and the Animals Inside (Motion picture : 1978)
Columbus and His Time (Motion picture : 1976)
Mirror of Kings: Tales from Kalila wa-Dimnah (Motion picture : 1982)
Tradition in Western Civilization (Documentary film : 1978)
Communication: It's More Than Sound (Motion picture : 1982)
Security (Motion picture : 1981)
Berlin Airlift (Motion picture : 1984)
Clockwork Universe (Motion picture : 1980)
Consequences of Cultural Adaptation (Motion picture : c. 1973)
Enter Life (Motion picture : 1986)
FDR: The Intimate Presidency (Motion picture : 1982)
Field to Factory: The Urban North, 1915-1940 (Motion picture : 1987)
Web of Life (Motion picture : 1973)
Full Speed Ahead (Motion picture : 1978)
Gilgamesh (Motion picture : 1978)
City of the Dead (Documentary film : 1978)
Peril on the Sea (Motion picture : 1978)
Phone Philm (Motion picture : 1976)
Predator and the Prey (Motion picture : 1973)
Sharing a Lifestyle (Motion picture : 1973)
American Picture Palaces (Motion picture : 1983)
Smithsonian World (Television program : 1984-1991)
Reunions: Memories of an American Experience (Documentary film : 1979)
Smithsonian World (Television program)
Man's Use of the Earth (Motion picture : 1973)
Extent:
4 cu. ft. (4 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Clippings
Black-and-white negatives
Black-and-white transparencies
Color negatives
Color transparencies
Date:
1967-1987, 1991-1992
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of records created and maintained by Karen Loveland, Director of Special Projects for the Office of Telecommunications, documenting the planning,
development, and execution of film, video, and television productions for general release, for accompaniment to exhibitions and exhibition halls, for training, and for television
spots. Film, video, and television productions for general release include Smithsonian Video Collection; American Picture Palaces; Coral Reefs: How to Make Use of 400 Million
Years of Evolution; John Bull; Maine Coast; Leaf Making: Or the Secret Life of Museum Plants; Smithsonian World; Changes: The Story of Evolution and Speciation; Quadrangle;
Flue-Cured Tobacco Culture; The Big Cats and How They Came to Be; Indiana Engine Retrieval; Census: Accounting for the Nation; Enter Life; Thomas A. Edison and His Amazing
Invention Factories; The Ghosts of Forever; Who Would Have Thought?; The Giant Panda Story; Shells and the Animals Inside; Columbus and His Time; Mirror of Kings: Tales from
Kalila Wa Dimna; and Reunions: Memories of an American Experience.
Films and videos accompanied American Sailor, 1984-1985; Harry S. Truman Centennial: The Berlin Airlift, 1984; Clockwork Universe: German Clocks and Automata, 1550-1650
in 1980; Hall of Dynamic Evolution, beginning in 1979; Hall of Paleontology, beginning in 1982; FDR: The Intimate Presidency, 1982; Field to Factory: Afro-American Migration,
1915-1940, beginning in 1987; Festival of American Folklife; Hall of American Maritime Enterprise, beginning in 1978; the Communication Exhibition, beginning in 1977; Hall
of Western Civilization, beginning in 1978; and It All Depends: How Man Affects and is Affected by his Natural Environment. Training films and videos include Communication
and Security.
Materials include memoranda, correspondence, video proposals, scripts, interview transcripts, production and post-production schedules, computer editing forms, story boards,
roll logs, budget summaries and expense reports, orders and requisitions for supplies and services, travel vouchers, invoices, notes, mailing lists for premieres, publications
with articles about videos, clippings, press releases, fact sheets, copies of contracts, color and black and white negatives and transparencies of credits, and research materials.
See accession 01-230 for a 16 mm distribution print of the "Mirror of Kings:...".
Topic:
Video recordings -- Production and direction Search this
