Agency history, 1962-1986

Subject

• Long, Austin
• Sigalove, Joel J
• Stuckenrath, Robert
• Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Division of Radiation and Organisms
• Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Category

Agency History

Notes

• This is an agency history. It does not describe actual records. The Smithsonian Institution Archives uses these histories as brief accounts of the origin, development, and functions of an office or administrative unit to set that unit in its historical context. To find information on record holdings, please double-click the highlighted field "Creator/Author", which will open on a brief view of relevant records.
• Guide to the Smithsonian Archives, 1996
• The Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory was established in the Division of Radiation and Organisms, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, in September 1962. The function of the Laboratory was to analyze samples of archeological and geological interest submitted by Smithsonian and outside researchers. The Laboratory also conducted basic research in the techniques of dating by the use of the carbon-14 method. Joel J. Sigalove, a geochemist, directed the Laboratory during its first year of operations. Austin Long was appointed Geochemist in 1963 and put in charge of the carbon dating work. Long resigned in 1968 and was replaced by Robert Stuckenrath, who directed the Laboratory with the title of Anthropologist. Stuckenrath remained in the position until carbon dating work ceased when the Rockville laboratory of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center closed in November 1986.
• For a history of the larger creating unit, refer to "Forms part of " above.

Repository Loc.

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Capital Gallery, Suite 3000, MRC 507; 600 Maryland Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20024-2520

Date

• 1962
• 1962-1986

Topic

• Radiocarbon dating
• Laboratories
• Research

Form/Genre

Mixed archival materials

Local number

SIA AH00228

Full Record

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