Oral & video history documentation

The Lemelson Center's oral and video history projects increase historical documentation on invention and innovation in the United States.
Above: Guitarist G.E. Smith is featured in the Electric Guitar Video Documentation Project. Smithsonian photo by Jeff Tinsley.

Full descriptions of the following collections may be found by searching the archives and manuscripts section of SIRIS, the Smithsonian Institution Research Information System. Unless otherwise noted, all collections are housed in the NMAH Archives Center. For further information, contact the Archives Center Reference Desk.

Oral & video history documentation is listed in alphabetical order by subject of interview. Date of interview is in parentheses.

Stephanie Kwolek, inventor of Kevlar® (1996) Video footage documenting the “Innovative Lives” program presented by Stephanie Kwolek, inventor of Kevlar®. Kwolek discusses her invention as well as her background and life experiences. 0.45 cu. ft.: 3 boxes containing original, master, and reference videos arranged topically. See related article »