Oral & video history documentation

The Lemelson Center's oral and video history projects increase historical documentation on invention and innovation in the United States.
Above: Guitarist G.E. Smith is featured in the Electric Guitar Video Documentation Project. Smithsonian photo by Jeff Tinsley.

Full descriptions of the following collections may be found by searching the archives and manuscripts section of SIRIS, the Smithsonian Institution Research Information System. Unless otherwise noted, all collections are housed in the NMAH Archives Center. For further information, contact the Archives Center Reference Desk.

Oral & video history documentation is listed in alphabetical order by subject of interview. Date of interview is in parentheses.

William Phillips, Nobel laureate in physics (2001) Video footage documenting the “Innovative Lives” program presented by William Phillips, a physicist and 1997 Nobel laureate in physics. Phillips discusses his background, work at the National Institute of Standards and Technology using laser light to cool gases to the lowest temperature ever achieved, and his memories of winning the Nobel Prize.  Audience participation by students from Ormond Stone Middle School, Centreville, Va.; Queen Anne School, Upper Marlboro, Md.; Nysmith School, Herndon, Va.; and Gwynn Park Middle School, Brandywine, Md. 1 cubic foot: 4 boxes, including digital BetaCam SP and 1/2” VHS videotapes. Go to Phillips collection finding aid. See related article »