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.

Janese Swanson, inventor, founder of GirlTech (1998) Video footage documenting the “Innovative Lives” program presented by Janese Swanson, an inventor who develops products and services that encourage girls to use new technologies. She has created toys, books, a Web site, a magazine, and software specifically designed for girls. Audience participation by students from Thoreau Middle School, Vienna, Va., and Rosa Parks Middle School, Olney, Md. 1.5 cu. ft.: 4 boxes containing original, master, and reference videos. Go to finding aid >> See related article »