HISTORICAL NOTE
Silvio A Bedini (b. 1917), an historian and author, attended Columbia University, 1935-1942, and received an L.L.D. from the University of Bridgeport in 1970. In 1961, he began his career at the Smithsonian Institution as Curator in the Museum of History and Technology (MHT), Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering. By 1965, Bedini became Assistant Director of MHT, and in 1972 was appointed Deputy Director of the National Museum of History and Technology. Following his tenure as Deputy Director, he served as Keeper of the Rare Books at the Dibner Library from 1978 until his retirement in 1987. Bedini is currently Historian Emeritus at the Smithsonian, a title he has held since retiring. During his long association with the Institution he has authored more than twenty books and countless articles, particularly on the history of science, and is a leading authority on the life of Thomas Jefferson. Box 1 of 3
Benjamin Banneker Research Elijah Porter Research Vatican Project Redheffer Research Anthony Lamb Research Lafayette's Watch Research (The Case of the Wandering Watch) Box 2 of 3
Bernardo Facini Research Relic of the Revolution (Thomas Jefferson's Lap Desk) Athanasius Kircher Research Waldseemuller Map Research ("The Map that Named America") Other Box 3 of 3
Contact us at osiaref@si.edu
Revised: July 11, 2007 DESCRIPTIVE ENTRY
This accession consists primarily of Silvio Bendini's correspondence and
memoranda with Smithsonian colleagues, scholars, professional organizations,
publishers, and the general public documenting his research activities for
special projects, publications, and exhibitions. Also includes Bedini's
articles and book reviews; research notes; copies of primary and secondary
sources; photographs of scientific instruments, individuals, buildings, and
exhibitions; and proposals.
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