Science in American Life exhibition files

Collection

Identifier: 97-12

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

For a more detailed inventory, please view this record in our library catalog: https://othmerlib.sciencehistory.org/record=b1085580~S6

The files were assembled to document all aspects of an intellectual shipwreck, so they are as complete as the President of the A.C.S. and Science Advisor to the exhibit was able to make them. The chronological spread of the documents pretty much covers the exhibition from inception to post-mortem. Of special interest are the numerous suggested revisions to the Smithsonian script--most of which were apparently ignored.

Dates

Creation: 1989-1997

Creator

Heindel, Ned D. (compiler., Person)
Smithsonian Institution (Organization)

Language of Materials

Text in English.

Biographical sketch

Science in American Life was intended as an ambitious collaboration between the curatorial staff of the Smithsonian Institute and members of an appointed ACS Exhibition Advisory Committee. ACS contributed over $5 million dollars to the project plus the expertise of its members, but the final results proved contentious and some members of the ACS felt that Chemistry had been "slammed" by the Smithsonian's staff. Unfortunately, the ACS had agreed that the Smithsonian would have final say over the content of the exhibition so its options were limited. In the end the ACS dropped its sponsorship of an exhibition that it could no longer fully support.

Extent

2.6 Linear Feet (6 boxes)

Additional Description

Abstract

This is a fairly extensive collection of ACS and Smithsonian records chosen to document the gradual breakdown in communications between the stakeholders in this exhibition. In assembling this material, Dr. Heindel wanted to insure that both sides of the controversy, not just the curatorial team's version would be heard.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Heindel, Ned D. Method of acquisition--Gift;; Date of acquisition--1997..

Related Archival Materials

Title--See also The Science in American Life Exhibition Files, C. Marvin Lang, compiler, at the. Custodian--Chemical Heritage Foundation, Philadelphia, PA..