Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Search Results

Collections Search Center
9 documents - page 1 of 1

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

Melvin B. Zisfein Papers

Names:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.)  Search this
Zisfein, Melvin B.  Search this
Extent:
1.5 cu. ft. (1 record storage box) (1 document box)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Brochures
Clippings
Manuscripts
Drawings
Color photographs
Black-and-white photographs
Audiotapes
Artifacts
Date:
circa 1944-1995
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of an addition to the papers of Melvin B. Zisfein. It includes grades, diplomas, photographs, articles, speeches, reports, and correspondence.
Topic:
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Aerospace engineering  Search this
Aerospace engineers  Search this
Genre/Form:
Brochures
Clippings
Manuscripts
Drawings
Color photographs
Black-and-white photographs
Audiotapes
Artifacts
Citation:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 96-150, Melvin B. Zisfein Papers
Identifier:
Accession 96-150
See more items in:
Melvin B. Zisfein Papers
Archival Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-sia-fa96-150

Paul E. Garber Collection

Creator:
Garber, Paul Edward, 1899-1992  Search this
Names:
Early Birds of Aviation (Organization).  Search this
National Air Museum (U.S.)  Search this
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.)  Search this
Smithsonian Institution  Search this
Tusch, Mary E. "Mother"  Search this
Extent:
241.95 Cubic feet (488 boxes plus flat files)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Audiotapes
Correspondence
Diaries
Lectures
Photographs
Printed material
Scrapbooks
Slides (photographs)
Date:
1824-1992
Summary:
The Paul E. Garber Collection documents Paul Edward Garber's life, both personal and professional, prior to and during his 72-year tenure at the National Air and Space Museum.
Scope and Contents:
The Paul E. Garber Collection includes material from both the personal and professional realms of Garber's life. It is centered on the following three areas: Garber's personal life; his aeronautics interests; and his association with the Smithsonian Institution—the National Air Museum, and later the National Air and Space Museum. The collection is a particularly rich source of material relating to Garber's development of the military target kite, his involvement in a multitude of aviation-related clubs and organizations, and as a record of his daily work duties and influence upon the National Air and Space Museum. The following types of materials, dating from 1824 to 1992, are included: correspondence; diaries; notes and writings by Garber regarding a variety of aeronautical and museum topics; lectures and interviews; scrapbooks; newspaper clippings; magazine articles; photo albums; photographs, slides, negatives, and lantern slides; pamphlets and brochures; drawings; newsletters; and audio recordings.
Arrangement:
Little emphasis has been placed on dividing this collection between Garber's personal and professional lives, as the two capacities intersected in almost every way. Whenever possible, Garber's original folder titles and order have been preserved. All titles that appear in [brackets] are the archivist's.

The collection is organized into the following 15 series:

Series 1: Correspondence, circa 1901-circa 1992 and undated

Series 2: Invitations and Programs, 1910-1988 and undated

Series 3: National Air and Space Museum (NASM), 1916-1992 and undated

Series 4: World War II Target Kites and Naval Reserve, 1919-1986 and undated

Series 5: Manuscripts and Speeches, 1925-1989 and undated

Series 6: Personal Materials, 1824-1992 and undated

Series 7: Personal Interest, circa 1908-circa 1992 and undated

Series 8: Organizations, 1908-1992 and undated

Series 9: Newsletters, 1938-1992 and undated

Series 10: Biographical Files, circa 1910-circa 1992 and undated

Series 11: Subject Files, 1909- circa 1990 and undated

Series 12: Photographs, circa 1880-1992 and undated

Series 13: Negatives, Transparencies, Film, and Slides, circa 1940s-circa 1970s and undated

Series 14: Oversize Materials, 1842-1990 and undated

Series 15: Audio Recordings
Biographical / Historical:
Paul Edward Garber (1899-1992) was instrumental in obtaining a substantial portion of the National Air and Space Museum's aircraft collection. His 72-year tenure with the Smithsonian Institution and his dedication to the belief that aeronautics artifacts were worthy of preservation for the sake of National memory effectively make him the progenitor of the National Air and Space Museum we know today.

Garber was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on 31 August 1899, a few years prior to the development of powered flight. Growing up during this exciting time, young Garber was exposed to a number of experiences that ignited his interest in aeronautics. Garber recalled that, while visiting Washington, D.C., in 1909, he took a streetcar across the Potomac River to watch Orville Wright fly the world's first military airplane at Fort Myer, Virginia.

The Garber family eventually left Atlantic City and permanently settled in Washington, D.C. In 1913 Garber and his schoolmates formed the Capital Model Aeroplane Club, organizing competitions for the making and flying of model aircraft and kites. In 1915, after visiting the Smithsonian Institution, Garber made a copy of Octave Chanute's biplane glider. After testing a smaller model, which he flew as a kite, Garber constructed a 20-foot wingspan version, using barrel staves sawed into thirds as ribs and covering them in red chintz fabric. Over several weekends, Garber made numerous towed take-offs and glides. These flights would eventually qualify him for membership into the Early Birds of Aviation, Inc. Between 1917 and 1918 Garber studied at the McKinley Technical School in Washington, D.C., and the University of Maryland, College Park. He also studied Aeronautical Engineering at the Research University, Washington, 1920-1921. He never received a degree from any institution he attended. Garber finished his teen years by joining the Army in 1918 and was about to begin flight training at College Park when World War I ended. Afterwards, he took a job as a ground crewman and messenger with the United States Post Office Department's Air Mail Service.

In 1920 Garber began his career with the Smithsonian Institution, starting as a "Preparator," dealing with the maintenance of exhibits. Advancing through the ranks, he was at various times an Aide, Assistant Curator, and Associate Curator. During World War II, Garber's talents in modeling and kite making allowed him to accept a commission in the U.S. Navy at the rank of Lt. Commander. His military target kites became an important part of gunnery training, serving as both targets and examples for identifying enemy aircraft. Following the ending of the war, Garber resigned at the rank of Commander and returned to the Smithsonian where, in 1952, he became the first Curator of the National Air Museum, which was created by act of Congress in 1946.

On 10 May 1952 Garber married Irene Tusch, daughter of the aeronautical enthusiast Mary E. "Mother" Tusch. Throughout the next decade plus, Garber received promotions to Head Curator and Senior Historian, serving in this last position until 1965. From 1965 to 1969, Garber was the Assistant Director of Aeronautics. Forced to retire by Federal law upon reaching the age of 70, Garber received the honorary lifetime titles of Historian Emeritus and Ramsey Fellow.

Garber wrote several books on aeronautics and flight: Building and Flying Model Aircraft. A Guide for Youthful Beginners in Aeronautics, 1920; We: The Story of Achievement in Aviation, 1929; Kites and Kite Flying, 1931; Flying in Safety, 1939; and Navy Target Kites, 1944. He wrote multiple editions on the National Aircraft/Aeronautical Collections (1941, 1949, 1956, and 1965), as well as numerous pamphlets, handbooks, encyclopedia entries, and articles on aviation-related subjects.

In addition to his writing and lecturing, he was the recipient of many awards and trophies, including: the Washington Air Derby Association Trophy, 1954; the Air Line Traffic Association Citation, 1955; the Frank G. Brewer Trophy for Youth Education, 1959; the Elder Statesman of Aviation Award, 1964; the Trasvolata Atlantica Medal from Italy, 1964; the Santos-Dumont Medal of Merit from Brazil, 1966; the Paul Tissandier Diplome from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (F.A.I.), 1968; the Smithsonian Institution's Gold Medal, 1969; the Order Rio Branco, 1969; the Mérito Aeronáutico Medal from Brazil, 1974; named an honorary pilot in the Brazilian Air Force, 1982; recipient of the Medalha Mérito Tamandaré of Brazil, 1983; named to the OX-5 Club's Aviation Hall of Fame, 1974; and received the Laskowitz Gold Medal from the New York Academy of Sciences, 1979. Garber was also made Honorary Naval Aviator #17 during the mid-1980's. He was a member of the National Aeronautics Association, the Air Mail Pioneers, the Early Birds of Aviation, Inc. (Secretary, 1956-1960; President 1968, 1976-77), the Connecticut Aeronautical Historical Society, the National Aviation Club, and the National Space Club.

Paul Garber died in his sleep at Arlington Hospital on 23 September 1992. His acquisition efforts and advocacy on behalf of the National Air and Space Museum continue to live on in the form of its rich aircraft collections. The National Air and Space Museum's Paul E. Garber Preservation, Restoration, and Storage Facility, formerly known as "Silver Hill," is named in his honor.
Provenance:
Paul Garber, Gift, 1991, NASM.1991.0063
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access.
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
Topic:
Aeronautics  Search this
Kites  Search this
Models and modelmaking  Search this
Museums -- Curatorship  Search this
Genre/Form:
Audiotapes
Correspondence
Diaries
Lectures
Photographs
Printed material
Scrapbooks
Slides (photographs)
Citation:
Paul E. Garber Collection, Acc. NASM.1991.0063, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Identifier:
NASM.1991.0063
See more items in:
Paul E. Garber Collection
Archival Repository:
National Air and Space Museum Archives
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/pg2e26b7c74-eae0-48d0-838a-102e9355c1b8
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nasm-1991-0063
Online Media:

NASM Files, 1948-2009

Creator:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Office of the Director  Search this
Subject:
Lopez, Donald S. 1923-2008  Search this
Zisfein, Melvin B  Search this
Harwit, Martin 1931-  Search this
Tyler, James C. 1935-  Search this
Boyne, Walter J. 1929-  Search this
Collins, Michael 1930-  Search this
Engen, Donald Davenport 1924-1999  Search this
Johnston, S. Paul (Samuel Paul) 1899-  Search this
Dailey, John R  Search this
Hinners, Noel W  Search this
Hopkins, Philip S  Search this
National Air Museum (U.S.)  Search this
Physical description:
37.65 cu.ft processed holdings
17.75 cu. ft. unprocessed holdings
Type:
Brochures
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Clippings
Color photographs
Electronic records
Compact discs
Audiotapes
Microfiche
Artifacts
Floor plans
Floppy disks
Digital images
Architectural drawings
Videotapes
Books
Black-and-white transparencies
Date:
1948
1948-2009
Topic:
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Museum directors  Search this
Museums--Administration  Search this
Astronautical museums  Search this
Local number:
SIA RS01227
Restrictions & Rights:
Materials less than 15 years old Restricted. Contact reference staff for details
See more items in:
NASM Files 1948-2009 [National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Office of the Director]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_250570

Event Records, 1996-2016

Creator:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) National Air and Space Society  Search this
Physical description:
4.75 cu. ft. unprocessed holdings
Type:
Brochures
Manuscripts
Color photographs
Black-and-white photographs
Black-and-white transparencies
Black-and-white negatives
Compact discs
Digital images
Color transparencies
Audiotapes
Videotapes
Color negatives
Electronic records
Video recordings
Drawings
Digital versatile discs
Date:
1996
1996-2016
Topic:
Astronautical museums  Search this
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Museums--Membership  Search this
Special events  Search this
Speeches, addresses, etc  Search this
Local number:
SIA RS01355
See more items in:
Event Records 1996-2016 [National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) National Air and Space Society]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_271789

Project Files, 1957-2008

Creator:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Division  Search this
Subject:
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
Save America's Treasures (Organization)  Search this
Project Apollo (U.S.)  Search this
Physical description:
38 cu. ft. unprocessed holdings
Type:
Manuscripts
Electronic records
Compact discs
Floppy disks
Black-and-white photographs
Color transparencies
Audiotapes
Clippings
Brochures
Drawings
Newsletters
Color photographs
Architectural drawings
Floor plans
Color negatives
Black-and-white negatives
Videotapes
Digital versatile discs
Date:
1957
1957-2008
Topic:
Astronautical museums  Search this
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Museums--Educational aspects  Search this
Space sciences  Search this
Congresses and conventions  Search this
Museum curators  Search this
Fund raising  Search this
Committees  Search this
Contracts  Search this
Budget  Search this
Space suits  Search this
Museums--Collection management  Search this
Museum conservation methods  Search this
Saturn launch vehicles  Search this
Local number:
SIA RS00702
See more items in:
Project Files 1957-2008 [National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Space History Division]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_219828

Exhibition Records, 1963-2017

Creator:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Exhibits Design Department  Search this
Subject:
National Air Museum (U.S.)  Search this
Arts and Industries Building (Washington, D.C.)  Search this
National Air and Space Museum Building (Washington, D.C.)  Search this
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center  Search this
Physical description:
15.02 cu. ft. processed holdings
15 oversize folders processed holdings
67.17 cu. ft. unprocessed holdings
19 oversize folders unprocessed holdings
Type:
Black-and-white photographs
Floor plans
Drawings
Pamphlets
Clippings
Brochures
Color photographs
Black-and-white negatives
Color transparencies
Color negatives
Manuscripts
Sketches
Architectural drawings
Black-and-white transparencies
Electronic records
Digital versatile discs
Videotapes
Compact discs
Books
Audiotapes
Date:
1963
1963-2017
Topic:
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Astronautical museums  Search this
Exhibitions  Search this
Local number:
SIA RS00714
Restrictions & Rights:
Materials less than 15 years old Restricted. Contact reference staff for details
See more items in:
Exhibition Records 1963-2017 [National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Exhibits Design Department]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_219870

Events Files, 1960-2015

Creator:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Office of Special Events  Search this
Subject:
National Air Museum (U.S.)  Search this
Physical description:
23.5 cu. ft. processed holdings
4.25 cu. ft. unprocessed holdings
Type:
Manuscripts
Black-and-white photographs
Electronic records
Floppy disks
Compact discs
Digital images
Digital versatile discs
Color transparencies
Audiotapes
Date:
1960
2015
1960-2015
Topic:
Special events--Marketing  Search this
Astronautical museums  Search this
Aeronautical museums  Search this
Local number:
SIA RS00175
See more items in:
Events Files 1960-2015 [National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Office of Special Events]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_219691

Audiotapes and Videotapes, 1970-1989

Creator:
National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Albert Einstein Planetarium  Search this
Physical description:
39.64 cu. ft. processed holdings
1 cu. ft. unprocessed holdings
Type:
Audiotapes
Videotapes
Date:
1970
1970-1989
Topic:
Planetariums  Search this
Astronautical museums  Search this
Local number:
SIA RS00186
See more items in:
Audiotapes and Videotapes 1970-1989 [National Air and Space Museum (U.S.) Albert Einstein Planetarium]
Data Source:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_arc_219734

Modify Your Search







or


Narrow By