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SIA RU009512, Oral history interviews with Frank A. Taylor 1974, 1979-1980, 1982, 2005

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Summary

Title:
Oral history interviews with Frank A. Taylor 1974, 1979-1980, 1982, 2005
Dates:
1974, 1974-1982, 1974, 1979-1980, 1982, 2005
Notes:
Frank A. Taylor (1903-2007) pursued a career in the history of science and technology and museum administration. Taylor began his career at the Smithsonian in 1922 as a Laboratory Apprentice in the Division of Mechanical Technology of the United States National Museum (USNM). After receiving his B.S. in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1928 and the J.D. from Georgetown University in 1934, he advanced to Head Curator of the Department of Engineering and Industries in 1948. During the 1950s, Taylor chaired the Exhibits Modernization Committee of the USNM. In 1955 he was appointed Assistant Director, USNM, with special responsibility for planning the new National Museum of History and Technology (NMHT), and in 1958 was appointed the first Director of the new museum. In 1962 Taylor became Director of the USNM with responsibility for both the National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of History and Technology, and in 1968 was appointed Director General of Museums
Active in the international museum community, especially through the American Association of Museums and the International Council of Museums, Taylor worked on national legislation to support museums, notably the National Museum Act. After his retirement in 1971, Taylor continued to work at the Smithsonian as a Research Associate of the Smithsonian Institution Archives and as Consultant to the Secretary until 1984
Summary:
These interviews of Taylor by Miriam S. Freilicher, Pamela M. Henson, and Cynthia R. Field cover his youth and education, career at the Smithsonian from Laboratory Apprentice to Director General of Museums, work on the Exhibits Modernization Program and museum legislation, development of the NMHT, role as an administrator, and work in the international museum community. The interviews of Taylor by Henson for the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birthday covers Taylor's life growing up in Washington, and career and accomplishments at the Smithsonian. Parts of the interview were published in the June 2003 Torch. Taylor was again interviewed by Henson and Field, Chair, Architectural History & Historic Preservation Division, in 2005
Topics:
Museum techniques, History of science and technology, Records of meetings, organizations, and professional societies, Museum curators, Museum directors, Museum architecture
Subjects:
Taylor, Frank A (Frank Augustus) 1903-, National Museum of History and Technology Director, United States National Museum Director, United States National Museum Assistant Director, Director General of Museums, American Association of Museums, International Council of Museums, National Museum Act, United States National Museum National Museum of History and Technology, National Museum of History and Technology United States National Museum, Division of Mechanical Technology (USNM), Department of Engineering and Industries (USNM), Exhibits Modernization Program United States National Museum
Form/Genre:
Interviews, Collection descriptions, Audiotapes, Oral history
Local Number:
SIA RU009512
Physical Description:
26 audiotapes (Reference). 45 digital .mp3 files (Reference copies)

Finding Aids to Oral Histories in the Smithsonian Institution Archives

Record Unit 9512

Taylor, Frank A, (Frank Augustus), 1903- interviewee

Frank A. Taylor Interviews, 1974, 1979-1980, 1982, 2005

Repository: Smithsonian Institution Archives, Washington, D.C. Contact us at osiaref@si.edu.
Creator: Taylor, Frank A, (Frank Augustus), 1903- interviewee
Title: Frank A. Taylor Interviews
Dates: 1974, 1979-1980, 1982, 2005
Quantity: 26 audiotapes (Reference). 45 digital .mp3 files (Reference copies).
Collection: Record Unit 9512
Language of Materials: English

Historical Note

Frank A. Taylor (1903-2007) was a Curator of Engineering and Industries and administrator at the Smithsonian. He was born in 1903 in Washington, D.C., where he grew up. In 1922 he accepted a position as Laboratory Apprentice in the Division of Mechanical Technology of the United States National Museum (USNM), and in 1925 he advanced to Museum Aid. After receiving the B.S. in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Taylor was appointed Assistant Curator in 1929. He became Curator of the Division of Engineering in 1933 and Head Curator of the Department of Engineering and Industries in 1948. Taylor also received the J.D. from Georgetown University Law School in 1934.

During his early years at the Smithsonian, Taylor worked to improve the exhibits and collections in the Arts and Industries Building of the USNM. During the depression, he was assistant director of the Historical American Merchant Marine Survey, W.P.A. Federal Project #6, which was administered through the Smithsonian. In 1950, as chairman of the Exhibits Modernization Committee, he began planning the renovation program for exhibits in the USNM. In 1946 he also began the planning effort for a science and technology museum, and in 1954, the authorization for the National Museum of History and Technology was passed by Congress. In 1955 he was appointed Assistant Director of the USNM with special responsibility for planning the NMHT. Taylor oversaw construction of the building, hiring of staff, and development of exhibits. In 1958 he was appointed the first Director of the new museum which opened in January of 1964.

In the fall of 1962 Taylor was appointed Director of the United States National Museum with responsibility for both the National Museum of History and Technology and the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH). In 1968 he became Director-General of Museums with responsibilities for Smithsonian-wide programs in conservation, exhibits and registration, the National Museum Act programs, and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Taylor was active in the international museum community and worked closely with the American Association of Museums and the International Council of Museums. He oversaw the 1965 Belmont Conference and Report on the needs of America's museums which led to the National Museum Act and the Museum Services and Facilities Act. Taylor was responsible for the development of the legislation and programs of the National Museum Act. Taylor retired on 23 January 1971 but continued to work at the Smithsonian as a Research Associate of Smithsonian Institution Archives and as Consultant to the Secretary until 1983.

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Introduction

The Smithsonian Institution Archives began its Oral History Program in 1973. The purpose of the program is to supplement the written documentation of the Archives' record and manuscript collections with an Oral History Collection, focusing on the history of the Institution, research by its scholars, and contributions of its staff. Program staff conduct interviews with current and retired Smithsonian staff and others who have made significant contributions to the Institution. There are also interviews conducted by researchers or students on topics related to the history of the Smithsonian or the holdings of the Smithsonian Institution Archives.

Taylor was interviewed for the Oral History Program because of his long and outstanding scholarly and administrative career during his sixty years at the Smithsonian.

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Descriptive Entry

Taylor was interviewed by Miriam S. Freilicher on ten occasions between January and April of 1974, by Pamela M. Henson on seven occasions between July 1979 and April 2003, and by Henson and Cynthia Field in May of 2005. The interviews cover Taylor's youth and education, career at the Smithsonian from laboratory apprentice to Director-General of Museums, work on the Exhibits Modernization Program, development of the National Museum of History and Technology, role as an administrator and work in the international museum community.

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Preferred Citation

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 9512, Taylor, Frank A, (Frank Augustus), 1903- interviewee, Frank A. Taylor Interviews

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Container List

Box 1

Transcripts of Interviews

Interview 1: 30 January 1974

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor discusses his youth and education; early years at the USNM as Laboratory apprentice, Museum Aid, and Assistant Curator of Engineering; and administration of the USNM, c. 1903-1930.
Transcript, pp. 1-30, of audio recording, 1 hour.

Interview 2: 6 February 1974

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor covers his concepts of what a national museum of the United States should be; his career at the Smithsonian during the Great Depression and World War II, including the Historic American Merchant Marine Survey and the War Background Series, c. 1930-1948.
Transcript, pp. 31-58, of audio recording, 1 hour

Interview 3: 27 February 1974

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor cover his years as Curator of the Division of Engineering and Head Curator of the Department of Science and Technology; The World Is Yours radio program; and development of the Exhibits Modernization Program and Office of Exhibits, c. 1945-1958
Transcript, pp. 59-89, of audio recording, 1 hour.

Interview 4: 13 March 1974

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor covers the development of the NMHT, including early concepts, spin off of the National Air Museum, aid from the Public Buildings Service of the General Services Administration, legislative history, and role of the Board of Regents and individuals, c. 1945-1960
Transcript, pp. 90-119, of audio recording, 1 hour.

Interview 5: 20 March 1974

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor covers the construction of the NMHT, including securing appropriations, the joint Congressional oversight committee, architectural and sculptural design, programs of requirements and exhibits for the interior, and the building of a professional staff; and Taylor's advancement from Head Curator to Director, USNM, c. 1955-1964.
Transcript, pp. 120-164, of audio recording, 1.5 hours.

Interview 6: 27 March 1974

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor covers the opening of NMHT, including public reaction to the building and its exhibits; and the development of museum studies and museum education, c. 1962-1967.
Transcript, pp. 165-192, of audio recording, 1 hour.

Interview 7: 3 April 1974

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor covers museum education;

The Smithsonian Associates; the music room in the NMHT; Smithsonian administration; special exhibits; and centralization/decentralization of the Office of Exhibits, c. 1965-1971.

Box 1 of 2
Transcript, pp. 193-233, of audio recording, 1.5 hours.

Interview 8: 11 April 1974

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor discusses his work with the American Association of Museums, Belmont Conference and Report, Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities, Office of Education of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and National Endowment for the Arts; and the legislative history of the National Museum Act and Museum Services and Facilities Act, c. 1965-1974.
Transcript, pp. 234-274, of audio recording, 1.5 hours.

Interview 9: 17 April 1974

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor covers his work with the American Association of Museums and the International Council of Museums, c. 1965-1974.
Transcript, pp. 275-301, of audio recording, 1 hour.

Interview 10: 24 April 1974

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor covers his responsibilities as Director-General of Museums, for the National Museum Act, Office of Exhibits, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, National Air and Space Museum, and to respond to the Subcommittee on Library and Memorials of the United States Congress, c. 1965-1974. Includes appendix with separate essays written by Taylor on the Mid-America Center Museum in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the American Institute of Design, and the National Museum of Natural History Research Center.
Transcript, pp. 302-320, of audio recording, 1 hour.

Interview 11: 10 July 1979

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor discusses the Institution's role in stimulating support for systematic biology, including plans for a systematic biology research center, his role in planning the Systematic Biology Symposium at the Belmont Conference Center with Richard S. Cowan and production of its report, America's Systematic Resources: A National Plan, development of the systematics databases at the NMNH, the Ewing report on space needs of the NMNH, the role of curators in planning exhibits, failed plans for a systematics institute in Beltsville, Maryland, and his role in planning the Museum Support Center.
Transcript, pp. 321-356, of audio recording, 1.5 hours.

Interview 12: 17 September 1980

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor covers the evolution of the concept of a Museum of Engineering and Industries into a Museum of History and Technology; development of a Department of Engineering and Industries in the USNM; plans by H. J. F. Porter for a Museum of Engineering; Taylor's 1926 trip to Europe to study museums of science and technology; effects of World War II on his department; renewed planning efforts for the museum after WWII; and the addition of the Division of Civil History to the museum plans, c. 1922-1948.
Transcript, pp. 357-388, of audio recording, 1.5 hours.

Interview 13: 13 November 1980

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor summarizes his planning for the NMHT and exhibits modernization after World War II, including plans for a Museum of Man which would include anthropology and cultural history with science and technology; the roles of Leonard Carmichael, John Enos Graf, John L. Keddy, Carl W. Mitman and Alexander Wetmore; the Smithsonian Planning Committee; and promotion of the new museum to Congress and the business community, c. 1949-1953
Transcript, pp. 389-412, of audio recording, 1 hour.

Interview 14: 26 November 1980

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor recounts his 1954 trip to Europe to see the post-war condition of museums in England, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden; and subsequent planning for the NMHT, including legislation, early efforts towards passage, and proposals to locate the new museum in the Southwest Redevelopment Area, c. 1953-1955.
Transcript, pp. 413-439, of audio recording, 1.5 hours.

Interview 15: 4 December 1980

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor discusses the successful 1955 legislative effort for NMHT, including passage of the legislation, establishment of a joint Congressional oversight committee, formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to Continue Planning for the NMHT, reaction to passage of the legislation, selection of an architect, and development of a concept for the museum which included cultural history with the history of science and technology, c. 1955-1964.
Transcript, pp. 440-468, of audio recording, 1.5 hours.

Interview 16: 29 April 1982

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor discusses administration, including the concept of the USNM versus a central Smithsonian Institution, administrative changes during the tenures of Secretaries Alexander Wetmore and Leonard Carmichael, the status of the non-science divisions within the USNM, and the administrative roles of Harry W. Dorsey, John Enos Graf and John L. Keddy, and the issue of centralization versus decentralization of operations, c. 1922-1970. Includes appendix with two essays written by Taylor to clarify discussions of the role of the Chief Clerk in the federal government and the USNM versus the central Smithsonian administration.
Transcript, pp. 469-488, of audio recording, 1 hour.

Interview 17: 4 April 2003

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor in honor of his 100th birthday discusses his youth in Washington, D.C., reminiscences of colleagues and advice for younger staff, c. 1910-2003.
Transcript, pp. 489-504, of audio recording, 1 hour.

Interview 18: 26 May 2005

Box 1 of 2
Interview of Taylor discusses the architectural design of the National Museum of History and Technology, c. 1955-1964.
No transcript available.

Box 2

Audio Recordings of Interviews

Interview 1: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1 hour
Original Master: 1 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotape
Preservation Masters: 4 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 2 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 1 audiocassette; 2 digital .mp3 files

Interview 2: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1 hour
Original Masters: 1 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 4 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 2 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 1 audiocassette; 2 digital .mp3 files

Interview 3: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1 hour
Original Masters: 1 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 4 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 2 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 1 audiocassette; 2 digital .mp3 files

Interview 4: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1 hour
Original Masters: 1 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 4 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 2 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 1 audiocassette; 2 digital .mp3 files

Interview 5: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1.5 hours
Original Masters: 2 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 6 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 3 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 2 audiocassettes; 3 digital .mp3 files

Interview 6: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1 hour
Original Masters: 1 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 4 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 2 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 1 audiocassette; 2 digital .mp3 files

Interview 7: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1.5 hours
Original Masters: 2 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 6 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 3 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 2 audiocassettes; 3 digital .mp3 files

Interview 8: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1.5 hours
Original Masters: 2 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 6 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 3 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 2 audiocassettes; 3 digital .mp3 files

Interview 9: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1 hour
Original Masters: 1 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 4 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 2 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 1 audiocassette; 2 digital .mp3 files

Interview 10: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1 hour
Original Masters: 1 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 4 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 2 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 1 audiocassette; 2 digital .mp3 files

Interview 11: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1.5 hours
Original Masters: 2 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 6 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 3 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 2 audiocassettes; 3 digital .mp3 files

Interview 12: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1.5 hours
Original Masters: 1 7" low-torque reel-to-reel and 1 5" reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 5 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 3 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 2 audiocassettes; 3 digital .mp3 files

Interview 13: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1 hour
Original Masters: 1 5" reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 4 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 2 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 1 audiocassette; 2 digital .mp3 files

Interview 14: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1.5 hours
Original Masters: 2 5" reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 5 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 3 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 2 audiocassettes; 3 digital .mp3 files

Interview 15: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1.5 hours
Original Masters: 2 5" reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 5 7" low-torque reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 3 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 2 audiocassettes; 3 digital .mp3 files

Interview 16: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1 hour
Original Masters: 4 7" reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 4 7" reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 2 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 1 audiocassette; 2 digital .mp3 files

Interview 17: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 1 hour
Original Masters: 1 audiocassette
Preservation Masters: 2 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 1 audiocassette; 2 digital .mp3 files

Interview 18: 30 January 1974

Box 2 of 2
Total Recording Time: 2 hours
Original Masters: 4 7" reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
Preservation Masters: 4 digital .wav files
Reference Copies: 2 audiocassettes; 4 digital .mp3 files

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