Reference Request
Finding Aids to Oral Histories in the Smithsonian Institution Archives
Record Unit 9507
Oehser, Paul H. (Paul Henry), 1904-1996, interviewee
Paul H. Oehser Oral History Interviews, 1974-1975
Historical Note
Paul Henry Oehser (1904-1996), began his career as an editor with the U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey, after receiving his B.A. from Greenville College in 1925. In 1931, he was appointed Editor of the U.S. National Museum, and in 1950 he advanced to Chief, Smithsonian Editorial and Publications Division. Oehser also served as the Institution's Public Relations Officer from 1950 to 1966. Following his retirement in 1966, Oehser was appointed a Research Associate of the Smithsonian Institution and Editor of Research and Exploration Publications for the National Geographic Society. In addition to his work at the Smithsonian, Oehser published essays, poetry, and books about the Smithsonian and its scientists, and was active in the conservation movement.
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 conducts 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.
Paul Henry Oehser was interviewed for the Oral History Program because of his extensive knowledge of the history of the Institution and because he made significant contributions to the Smithsonian throughout his career.
Descriptive Entry
Oehser was interviewed by Pamela M. Henson on December 4, 1974; February 2; and March 5 and March 13, 1975. The interviews consist of his reminiscences of his education, career as an editor for the Bureau of Biological Survey and Smithsonian, role as a public relations officer, and work as an author and conservationist.
Index Terms
This collection is indexed under the following access terms. These are links to collections with related topics, persons or places.
Name
- Oehser, Paul H. (Paul Henry), 1904-1996
- Henson, Pamela M., interviewer
- United States. Bureau of Biological Survey
- National Geographic Society (U.S.)
- Smithsonian Institution. Public Relations Officer
- Smithsonian Institution Press. Editorial and Publications Division
- United States National Museum. Editor
Subject
Physical Characteristics of Materials in the Collection
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 9507, Paul H. Oehser Oral History Interviews