Smithsonian Institution. Office of International Programs Search this
Extent:
5.5 cu. ft. (11 document boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Date:
1964-1976
Descriptive Entry:
This record unit consists of files created primarily by OES, 1970-1973, and OIEP, 1973-1975. Also included are some records of OIP, 1975-1976. Files predating the creation
of OES in October 1969 are those of Irvin Eugene Wallen, in his capacity as Assistant Director for Oceanography, NMNH, and Head of the Office of Oceanography and Limnology,
1964-1969. The records consist of correspondence and memoranda, project proposals and reports, and publications; and include a file documenting the administration and operation
of the Center for Short-Lived Phenomena, 1967-1976, and administrative records, 1964-1975. For other records of OES and OIEP see Record Units 218, 271, and 273.
Historical Note:
The history of the Office of International Programs (OIP) can be traced to October 1969 when the Office of Environmental Sciences (OES) was established under the Assistant
Secretary for Science. Irvin Eugene Wallen, who had served since 1962 as Assistant Director for Oceanography, National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and Head of the Office
of Oceanography and Limnology, was appointed Director of OES. William L. Eilers replaced Wallen as Director in 1971. Programs and offices under OES direction included: the
Ecology Program; the Oceanography and Limnology Program (OLP), including the Smithsonian Oceanographic Sorting Center and the Mediterranean Marine Sorting Center; the Center
for Short-Lived Phenomena (CSLP); and the Chesapeake Bay Center for Environmental Studies (CBCES), which become an independent bureau in 1973.
In October 1973, OES was merged with the Office of International Activities to form the Office of International and Environmental Programs (OIEP). Wymberley D. Coerr, former
Ambassador to Ecuador and Uruguay, was appointed Director of the new office. Eilers became Deputy Director of OIEP. Programs under the direction of OIEP included the Smithsonian
Foreign Currency Program and the International Liaison Program, as well as the programs administered by its predecessor, OES. In May 1975 OIEP was renamed the Office of International
Programs (OIP).
CENTER FOR SHORT-LIVED PHENOMENA FILES, 1967-1976.
Collection Creator::
Smithsonian Institution. Office of International Programs Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Note:
The Center for Short-Lived Phenomena (CSLP) was established in January 1968 with Robert Citron as Director. CSLP operated as a global alert network and clearing-house
designed to notify scientists of unexpected, ephemeral environmental events. CSLP was located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in order to utilize the facilities of the Smithsonian
Astrophysical Observatory. From its creation in 1968 until December 1970, CSLP was an independent Smithsonian Bureau reporting to the Assistant Secretary for Science. In December
1970, CSLP became an administrative unit of the Office of Environmental Sciences (OES). CSLP remained under the direction of OES and its successors the Office of International
and Environmental Programs (OIEP) and the Office of International Programs (OIP) until December 1975. At that time, CSLP's affiliation with the Smithsonian ended and it became
an independent, non-profit, privately funded organization. All federal functions of CSLP were transferred to the newly created Scientific Event Alert Network (SEAN) of the
National Museum of Natural History.
This series consists of records maintained by OES, OIEP, and OIP documenting the administration, operation, and termination of CSLP. The records include correspondence,
memoranda, reports, and publications concerning projects conducted by CSLP; film and television programs on CSLP; CSLP relations with scientific organizations and government
agencies; and the transition of CSLP from a Smithsonian bureau to an independent organization.
Collection Citation:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 274, Smithsonian Institution, Office of International Programs, Records
Folder 5 Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 1973. Concerns a CSLP proposal for support of a Smithsonian National Environmental Education Program.
Collection Creator::
Smithsonian Institution. Office of International Programs Search this
Container:
Box 2 of 11
Type:
Archival materials
Collection Citation:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 274, Smithsonian Institution, Office of International Programs, Records
Folder 1 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Proposed survey of national and international environmental monitoring and surveillance activities, 1972-1974.
Collection Creator::
Smithsonian Institution. Office of International Programs Search this
Container:
Box 3 of 11
Type:
Archival materials
Collection Citation:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 274, Smithsonian Institution, Office of International Programs, Records
