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.

Electric guitar video documentation (1996) Interviews and other footage documenting the Lemelson Center's 1996 symposium, "Electrified, Amplified and Deified: The Electric Guitar, Its Makers, and Its Players." This week-long event explored the intersection of technology and music in the 20th century and featured oral and video histories; exhibits; concerts; and a symposium discussing the cultural significance of the electric guitar as instrument, technology, and symbol. Continue learning about the invention of the electric guitar in our virtual exhibit, From Frying Pan to Flying V: The Rise of the Electric Guitar. 7.50 cu. ft.: 10 boxes containing original, master, and reference videos, arranged by topic. Go to Electric Guitar collection finding aid. See related article »