Reference Request
Finding Aids to Personal Papers and Special Collections in the Smithsonian Institution Archives
Accession 05-115
Bedini, Silvio A.
Silvio A. Bedini Papers, 1965-1985
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.
Descriptive Entry
This accession primarily consists of 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 included are 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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This collection is indexed under the following access terms. These are links to collections with related topics, persons or places.
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Preferred Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 05-115, Silvio A. Bedini Papers