Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Kenneth M. Swezey Papers
Swezey, Kenneth M., 1905-1972 (journalist)
Sarony, Napoleon, 1821-1896
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
NMAH.AC.0047
Archival Resource Key
8.6 Cubic feet
26 boxes
1891 - 1988
The collection consists of correspondence (both of Nicola Tesla and Kenneth Swezey), copies of patents, articles, pamphlets, brochures, stamps, newsletters, and manuscripts, from 1890-1972 collected and assembled by Swezey.
English
.
Nameplate on one of the first 5,000 horsepower generators of the Niagara Falls Power Company, citing nine patents by Tesla
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Series 1: Leland Anderson correspondence, box 2 is restricted by the donor until 2030.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was donated by Robert MacCrate, Attorney, Sullivan and Cromwell in 1972.
Arrangement
The collection is divided into four series.
Series 1: Correspondence and Subject Files, 1891-1988
Series 2: Tesla Photographs, 1983; 1943
Series 3: Publications, 1959-1970
Series 4: Research Notes, undated
Biographical / Historical
Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) was born in Smiljan, Lika, now Yugoslavia and emigrated to America in 1884. He worked at the Edison Machine Works as a dynamo designer where he was promised a salary of $18.00 a week, with a completion bonus of $50,000. He realized at the end of the year the bonus had been a practical joke and he resigned.
By 1887, he accumulated enough money to build a laboratory and start working on models of motors. Shortly thereafter, he developed his famous polyphase, alternating current motor, using an alternating current instead of the direct current used up until this point. Tesla's motor kept "exact step with the rotations of the field, regardless of load; this was the first polyphase synchronous motor." (Science, Swezey, vol. 127 p.1149) The induction motor which he later invented developed a high torque in starting, built up speed, and could maintain speed with varying loads. In 1888, Tesla received his first patents from the U.S. Patent Office.
George Westinghouse quickly recognized Tesla's lucrative ideas, and hired him. Westinghouse was awarded the important Niagara Falls Power contract using Tesla's patents for his turbine engine utilizing the polyphase system. After a year, despite his very high salary with Westinghouse, Tesla decided to go back to working in his private lab in New York. He experimented with high frequency currents which led to many discoveries, including the famous Tesla coil the forerunner of fluorescent and neon lighting.
At the same time he started delving in the new field of science, telautomatics, now called automation. He built and demonstrated model boats controlled by wireless radio impulses and the first radio controlled torpedo (the forerunner of the guided missile)
One of Tesla's dreams was to transmit electric signals all over the world without using wires . In 1899, he began building a demonstration plant for wireless transmission at his Shoreham, Long Island laboratory. Despite never completing the plant due to lack of funds, his vision earned him the name "father of radio".
In Tesla's latter years he worked on inventions and ideas which he could not afford to develop and became more eccentric and withdrawn from society. He died January 7, 1943 at the age of 87.
Although Tesla was well regarded in his time, he was never revered in this country as he was in Yugoslavia. Most of Tesla's original documents and correspondence are in Belgrade, Yugoslavia at the Nikola Tesla Museum. The Library of Congress Manuscript Division holds 7 reels of microfilm of these materials.
Kenneth M. Swezey (1905-1972) wrote for the New York Sun in his late teens and early twenties. At this time he met and became friends with Nikola Tesla. Swezey regarded him as an unsung electrical genius and collected Tesla materials from 1921-1972. In his capacity as writer for various publications he frequently wrote about Tesla and his scientific advancements. Privately he spent a large part of his time memorializing him, eg. he started the Tesla Society. He also organized anniversary celebrations commemorating Tesla, etc.
Swezey also wrote science books, among them: Formulas, Methods, Tips and Data for Home and Workshop, 1969; Science Shows You How, 1964 and After Dinner Science. When Mr. Swezey died in 1972, the Smithsonian Institution acquired his collection.
Kenneth Swezey felt that the United States should honor Tesla and spent most of his life trying to memorialize him. He was instrumental in organizing a celebration of Tesla's 75th anniversary with the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, soliciting admiring statements from both individuals and corporations, for the unpublished pamphlet, "Tribute to Nikola Tesla." Some of Mr. Swezey's other Tesla related activities included: forming the Tesla Society, organizing and designing the 100th anniversary celebration, successfully lobbying for the naming of ships, schools, and a unit of measurement after Tesla, and the striking of a stamp commemorating Tesla.
Custodial History
The collection was transferred to the Archives Center from the Division of Electricity (now the Division of Work and Industry) in 1983.
Preferred Citation
Kenneth M. Swezey Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Processing Information
Collection processed by Robert Harding, 1994
Scope and Contents
The Swezey papers are divided into four series: Series 1: Correspondence and Subject Files, Series 2: Tesla Photographs, Series 3: Publications and Series 4: Research Notes. Series 4: Research Notes is housed in a small metal box and contains Swezey's research notes presumably for his incomplete biography of Tesla. Series 1: Correspondence and Subjects Files is arranged alphabetically and is composed of correspondence, copies of patents, articles, pamphlets, brochures, stamps, newsletters and manuscripts. The folders within this series are titled and include a diverse combination of correspondence between Swezey and Tesla, and between Swezey and his colleagues, companies, government officials, museum curators, and Tesla's admirers. Box 19 contains photographs of Tesla, his inventions, his laboratories and personal photographs. Boxes 20-26 include bibliographies, biographies and articles.
The collection is strong in articles from magazines such as Electrical Experimentor, newspaper clippings, articles regarding electricity, power, radio, pamphlets, and brochures.
The collection generally follows Swezey's arrangement and is somewhat inconsistent in terms of organization. However, the folder titles are fairly specific and should give the researcher direction. The materials within the folders are arranged chronologically. While some photo prints have been placed together in Series 2, there are also a large number of photo prints throughout the collection, according to Swezey's original arrangement.
The collection provides an overview of Tesla's unusual personality and Swezey's intense preoccupation with Tesla. The collection also provides insight into Tesla's way of life, philosophies, personality and a general overview of his inventions and how society reacted to this prolific and unusual inventor.
Conditions Governing Use
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Photographs -- 20th century
Cabinet photographs
Radio -- History
Electrical engineering
Electrical engineers
Patents
Correspondence and Subject Files
Series 1
Archival Resource Key
1891 - 1988
Leland Anderson Correspondence
Archival Resource Key
1953 - 1955
2
1
Conditions Governing Access note
Restricted
Leland Anderson Correspondence
Archival Resource Key
1954 - 1966
2
2
Conditions Governing Access
Restricted
Leland Anderson Correspondence
Archival Resource Key
1955 - 1963
2
3
Conditions Governing Access
Restricted
Leland Anderson Correspondence
Archival Resource Key
1963 - 1969
2
4
Conditions Governing Access
Restricted
Leland Anderson Correspondence
Archival Resource Key
1972 - 1982
2
5
Conditions Governing Access
Restricted
Leland Anderson Correspondence
Archival Resource Key
1988
2
6
Conditions Governing Access
Restricted
Anniversary, 75th, Letters Concerning Swezey
Archival Resource Key
1899 - 1969
3
1
Anniversary, 75th, Foreign Letters and Translations
Archival Resource Key
1926 - 1935
3
2
Anniversary, 75th, Letters to and from Kenneth M. Swezey
Archival Resource Key
1931 - 1933
3
3
Anniversary, 100th
Archival Resource Key
1952 - 1963
3
4
Anniversary Articles
Archival Resource Key
1956 - 1963
3
5
General Correspondence (A)
Archival Resource Key
1952 - 1955
4
1
General Correspondence (A)
Archival Resource Key
1956
4
2
General Correspondence (A)
Archival Resource Key
1955 - 1957
4
3
Aircraft, vertical lift
Archival Resource Key
1928
1959 - 1969
4
4
Aluminum
Archival Resource Key
1955 - 1963
4
5
American Institute of Electrical Engineers
Archival Resource Key
1955 - 1963
4
6
Arbus, Muriel, Biographical Sketch of Tesla
Archival Resource Key
1959
1956
4
7
Armstrong, Edwin
Archival Resource Key
1943
4
8
Articles About Tesla
Archival Resource Key
1927
4
9
Articles, Quotes
Archival Resource Key
1955 - 1965
4
10-11
Atomic Energy
Archival Resource Key
1932
1929
4
12
Austin, L.W.
Archival Resource Key
1931
1927
4
13
General Correspondence (B)
Archival Resource Key
1951 - 1963
5
1-2
Basura, Nick
Archival Resource Key
1959 - 1971
5
3
Beam, Victor and Newcomer
Archival Resource Key
1950 - 1961
5
4
Behrend, Bernard Arthur
Archival Resource Key
1920 - 1960
5
5
Bibliography and Additions
Archival Resource Key
5
6
Biographies, Others,
Archival Resource Key
1933 - 1967
5
7
Biographies, Tesla
Archival Resource Key
1931 - 1933
5
8
Birthday Clips
Archival Resource Key
circa 1931-1935
5
9
Boksan, Slavko
Archival Resource Key
1931 - 1933
5
10
Burndy Library
Archival Resource Key
1956 - 1970
5
11
General Correspondence (C)
Archival Resource Key
1955 - 1957
6
1
Celebrations
Archival Resource Key
1962 - 1964
6
2
Celibacy, (see Gernsback, 1960 July 1)
Archival Resource Key
1927
6
3
Century Article
Archival Resource Key
1900
6
4
Children's Biography
Archival Resource Key
undated
6
5
Chronology, Tesla
Archival Resource Key
undated
6
6
Clocks
Archival Resource Key
1922
6
7
Columbia University
Archival Resource Key
1931 - 1967
6
8
Columbia University, R.U. Johnson/Tesla correspondence
Archival Resource Key
1895 - 1901
6
9
Cosmic Rays
Archival Resource Key
1949 - 1969
6
10
Death (Tesla)
Archival Resource Key
1943 - 1967
6
11
Death Ray
Archival Resource Key
1971
6
12
Deforest, Lee
Archival Resource Key
1898 - 1961
6
13
Draft, Dictionary of Scientific Biography
Archival Resource Key
1972
6
14
Drustvo (museum)
Archival Resource Key
1957 - 1962
6
15
Early Life (Tesla)
Archival Resource Key
1965
6
16
Eccentricities
Archival Resource Key
1936 - 1966
6
17
Edison Electrical Institute
Archival Resource Key
1956
6
18
Edison Medal Matter
Archival Resource Key
1955 - 1967
6
19
Edison Medal Presentation
Archival Resource Key
1917
6
20
Edison Minutes
Archival Resource Key
1917
6
21
Edison, Thomas Alva
Archival Resource Key
1896 - 1931
6
22
Electrical Experimenter
Archival Resource Key
1916 - 1919
6
23
Electric Industry (Modern and Historic)
Archival Resource Key
1959 - 1963
6
24
Electric Power (World Development and New) 1962‑63
Archival Resource Key
6
25
Encomiums
Archival Resource Key
1895 - 1926
6
26
Encyclopedia Americana Reprint
Archival Resource Key
1967
1971
6
27
Miscellaneous correspondence and publications (F)
Archival Resource Key
1949 - 1962
7
1
Facsimile Transmission
Archival Resource Key
1946 - 1947
7
2
Famous Electricians and Inventors
Archival Resource Key
1901 - 1964
7
3
Fans (Tesla)
Archival Resource Key
1939 - 1970
7
4
Feminism
Archival Resource Key
1926
7
5
Ferraris, Galileo
Archival Resource Key
1903
7
6
Finances
Archival Resource Key
1906 - 1958
7
7
Fleming, J.A.
Archival Resource Key
1891 - 1927
7
8
Ford Foundation
Archival Resource Key
1957 - 1967
7
9
Foundations
Archival Resource Key
1953 - 1969
7
10
Franklin Institute
Archival Resource Key
1952 - 1969
7
11
Gernsback, Hugo
Archival Resource Key
1908 - 1963
7
12
Graz, Austria
Archival Resource Key
1960
7
13
Greening, Rosemary
Archival Resource Key
1945
7
14
Guided Missles
Archival Resource Key
1956
7
15
General Correspondence (H)
Archival Resource Key
1901 - 1967
8
1
Hall of Fame
Archival Resource Key
1901 - 1971
8
2
Hammond, John Hays Jr.
Archival Resource Key
1912 - 1959
8
3
Hewitt, Edward R. and wife
Archival Resource Key
1896 - 1956
8
4
High Frequency Heating
Archival Resource Key
1943 - 1951
8
5
Hobson, Richmond P.
Archival Resource Key
1905 - 1956
8
6
Honors (Tesla)
Archival Resource Key
1958
8
7
Institute of Radio Engineers
Archival Resource Key
1955 - 1956
8
8
Interested Persons
Archival Resource Key
1917 - 1970
8
9
Johnson, Robert Underwood
Archival Resource Key
1894 - 1926
8
10
John Scott Medal
Archival Resource Key
1934 - 1955
8
11
Kosanovic, Charlotte
Archival Resource Key
1943 - 1966
8
12
General Correspondence (L)
Archival Resource Key
1912 - 1955
9
1
Lab, Colorado Springs
Archival Resource Key
1903 - 1966
9
2
Lab, Colorado Springs, photos
Archival Resource Key
9
3
Lab, Colorado Springs, photos
Outside of Tesla's Colorado Springs Laboratory
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
9.5" x 6.6".
1899-1900
English.
9
3
Outside of Tesla's Colorado Springs Laboratory.
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000023.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Laboratories
Power stations
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
Building at Tesla's Colorado Springs Laboratory
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
9.5" x 6.6".
1899-1900
English.
9
3
Building at Tesla's Colorado Springs Laboratory.
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000024.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Laboratories
Power stations
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
Building at Tesla's Colorado Springs Laboratory
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
9.5" x 6.6".
1899-1900
English.
9
3
Building at Tesla's Colorado Springs Laboratory.
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000025.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Laboratories
Power stations
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
[Nikola Tesla's Colorado Springs Laboratory : black-and-white photoprint.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
9.5" x 6.6".
1899-1900
English.
9
3
[Nikola Tesla's Colorado Springs Laboratory : black-and-white photoprint.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000026.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Script on photograph: "Experimental station fully developed / Activity (power delivery) one hundred thousand horsepower."
Laboratories
Power stations
Colorado
Colorado Springs (Colo.)
Photographs -- 1890-1900 -- Black-and-white photoprints -- Silver albumen
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
Lab, Long Island
Archival Resource Key
1899 - 1971
9
4
Lab, Long Island
Lab, South Fifth Ave.
Archival Resource Key
circa 1895
9
5
Layton, Edwin
Archival Resource Key
1963 - 1966
9
6
Lee Engineering Co.
Archival Resource Key
1948 - 1956
9
7
Lectures, General (Tesla)
Archival Resource Key
1893 - 1954
9
8
Lectures, London
Archival Resource Key
1892
9
9
Lectures, Paris, 1892
Archival Resource Key
1892
9
10
Letters to the Editor
Archival Resource Key
1919 - 1937
9
11
Library (Tesla materials)
Archival Resource Key
1943 - 1964
9
12
Library of Congress
Archival Resource Key
1958 - 1964
9
13
Lohr, Major Lenox
Archival Resource Key
1955 - 1956
9
14
Lynch, Arthur
Archival Resource Key
1928 - 1931
9
15
General Correspondence (M)
Archival Resource Key
1896 - 1901
10
1
Marconi, Gugielmo
Archival Resource Key
1931 - 1937
10
2
Mars
Archival Resource Key
1901 - 1972
10
3
Manuscripts, Tesla
Archival Resource Key
1898 - 1936
10
4
Manuscript, play
Archival Resource Key
1968
10
5
Mestrovic, Ivan
Archival Resource Key
1915 - 1962
10
6
Miessner, Benjamin Franklin
Archival Resource Key
1915 - 1964
10
7
Museum, 1935‑69
Archival Resource Key
1935 - 1969
10
8-9
Museum of Immigration
Archival Resource Key
1944 - 1964
10
10
Museum notes for Article (two files)
Archival Resource Key
undated
10
11
National Academy of Sciences
Archival Resource Key
1931 - 1955
11
1
New York City
Archival Resource Key
1957 - 1971
11
2
Niagara Memorial
Archival Resource Key
1957 - 1971
11
3
Niagara Mohawk
Archival Resource Key
1949 - 1963
11
4
Niagara Plant
Archival Resource Key
1956 - 1960
11
5
Nobel Prize
Archival Resource Key
1911 - 1933
11
6
Nonsense (Otis T.Carr, etc.)
Archival Resource Key
1958 - 1971
11
7
Obituaries
Archival Resource Key
1935 - 1968
11
8
O'Neill, John
Archival Resource Key
1944
11
9
Oscillator (Mechanical)
Archival Resource Key
1957
11
10
Adams Article Correspondence
Archival Resource Key
1934 - 1971
12
1
Adams Article Notes
Archival Resource Key
1961 - 1964
12
2
Polyphase
Archival Resource Key
1955
12
3
Photos, Niagara
Archival Resource Key
12
4
Photos, Niagara
Nameplate on one of the first 5,000 horsepower generators of the Niagara Falls Power Company [by Westinghouse Electric and Mfg. Co.], citing nine patents by Tesla. [Typed caption glued to verso.] [Black-and-white photoprint.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper, unmounted.
8" x 10".
undated
English.
12
4
Nameplate on one of the first 5,000 horsepower generators of the Niagara Falls Power Company, citing nine patents by Tesla
Local Numbers
56-12252 (SI Neg. No.)
AC0047.0000001.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research access on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Photographer unidentified.
Water-power
Electricity
Black-and-white photographic prints -- Silver gelatin -- 1900-1950
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
Niagara Falls Power Company
[Interior view of the first big electricity generating station at Niagara Falls]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
8.1" x 10.0".
1901
English.
12
4
[Interior view of the first big electricity generating station at Niagara Falls].
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000002.tif (AC Scan No.)
56-12251 (SI neg number)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
This station operated from 1895 to 1961.
Electricity
Power plants
Threading the Needle
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
10.0" x 8.2".
undated
English.
12
4
Threading the Needle
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000003.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
A 120 ton rotor is inserted in a 75 ton stator of a Westinghouse 83,000 horsepower motor by a few men.
Electricity
Power plants
Original Westinghouse generators at Niagara Falls still in service
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
10.0" x 8.2".
1953 October 27
English.
12
4
Original Westinghouse generators at Niagara Falls still in service.
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000005.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Electric generators
Electricity
Power plants
Photographs -- 1950-1960 -- Black-and-white photoprints -- Silver gelatin
The Niagara Falls Power Company field wagon
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
8.0" x 9.9".
undated
English.
12
4
The Niagara Falls Power Company field wagon.
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000004.tif (AC Scan No.)
84-9427 (SI neg number)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Six men in horse-driven wagon.
Electricity
Power plants
[Interior view of the first big electricity generating station at Niagara Falls]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
8.1" x 10.0".
1901
English.
12
4
[Interior view of the first big electricity generating station at Niagara Falls].
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000011.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
This station operated from 1895 to 1961.
Electricity
Power plants
Photos, Tesla
Archival Resource Key
12
5
Photos, Tesla
[Studio portrait of Nikola Tesla.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
6.6" x 3.9".
1883
English.
12
5
[Studio portrait of Nikola Tesla.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000006.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Photograph by Henri DuPont.
Portraits
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
Tesla with wireless light
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
9.7" x 7.8".
Circa 1919
English.
12
5
Tesla with wireless light.
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000014.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Nikola Tesla posed holding a large light bulb.
Electric lighting
Portraits
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
[Nikola Tesla : black-and-white photoprint.]
Archival Resource Key
Sarony & Company
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
9.5" x 7.2".
1933 October 13
English.
12
5
[Nikola Tesla : black-and-white photoprint.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000019.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Portrait by Sarony of New York. Phbotographer's imprint with date at lower right. Signed in ink in lower margin, "Compliments of Nikola Tesla."
Signatures (names)
Photographs -- 1930-1950 -- Black-and-white photoprints -- Silver gelatin
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
[Photographic portrait of Nikola Tesla.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
9.9" x 7.9".
undated
English.
12
5
[Photographic portrait of Nikola Tesla.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000018.tif (AC Scan No.)
83-13980 (SI neg number)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Portraits
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
[Photographic portrait of Nikola Tesla.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
8.7" x 6.0".
undated
English.
12
5
[Photographic portrait of Nikola Tesla.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000027.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Portraits
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
[Studio portrait of Nikola Tesla.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
6.6" x 4.3".
undated
English.
12
5
[Studio portrait of Nikola Tesla.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000028.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Portrait by Sarony of New York.
Portraits
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
[Radio Engineer's Banquet at Luchow's Restaurant.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
8.1" x 10.0".
24 April 1915
English.
12
5
[Radio Engineer's Banquet at Luchow's Restaurant.].
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000010.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
This photograph is a copy from George H. Clark CWC87-1251A.
Radio engineers
[Elderly Tesla standing with five other men, one wearing a Naval uniform]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
8.1" x 9.9".
Circa 1940
English.
12
5
[Elderly Tesla standing with five other men, one wearing a Naval uniform]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000013.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Navies
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
[Elderly Tesla with two men.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
7.6" x 10.4".
undated
English.
12
5
[Elderly Tesla with two men.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000017.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
[Nikola Tesla's birthplace in Smiljan, Lika.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
4.2" x 2.7".
undated
English.
12
5
[Nikola Tesla's birthplace in Smiljan, Lika.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000021.tif (AC Scan No.)
94-8598 (SI neg number)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Serbia
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
Photos, Tesla Museum
Archival Resource Key
12
6
Photos, Tesla Museum
[Interior view of Tesla museum showing various objects including two hats, a cane, walking stick and gloves.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
7.6" x 10.4".
undated
English.
12
6
[Interior view of Tesla museum showing various objects including two hats, a cane, walking stick and gloves.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000016.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Museum is located in Belgrade, Serbia.
Museums
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
[Interior view of Tesla museum showing large coil.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
7.6" x 10.4".
undated
English.
12
6
[Interior view of Tesla museum showing large coil.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000015.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Museum is located in Belgrade, Serbia.
Museums
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
Electric Power, Niagara, Moses
Archival Resource Key
1957 - 1961
13
1
Niagara, New
Archival Resource Key
1957 - 1963
13
2
Photos, Motor
Archival Resource Key
13
3
Photos, Motor
[Tesla's model induction motor : black-and-white photoprint.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper
6.3" x 8.1"
May 1888
English.
[Tesla's model induction motor : black-and-white photoprint.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000029.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Demonstrated by Tesla before the Institute of Electrical Engineers in May, 1888.
Machinery
Photographs -- 1880-1890 -- Black-and-white photoprints
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
Power
Archival Resource Key
1946 - 1970
13
4
Power, Niagara
Archival Resource Key
1926 - 1964
13
5
Power, Niagara Falls General
Archival Resource Key
1896
1954 - 1956
13
6
Power, Newsclippings
Archival Resource Key
13
7
Niagara Users
Archival Resource Key
13
8
Niagara Falls Power Company
Archival Resource Key
13
9
Patents AND Notes
Archival Resource Key
1955
1888 - 1913
14
1
Patent Correspondence
Archival Resource Key
1897 - 1898
14
2
Patent Litigation
Archival Resource Key
1897 - 1905
14
3
Patent Office
Archival Resource Key
1954 - 1972
1897 - 1899
14
4
Photos, miscellaneous
Archival Resource Key
14
5
Photos‑Inventions
Archival Resource Key
1893
14
6
Power, Atomic
Archival Resource Key
1955
14
7
Power, Foreign
Archival Resource Key
1955 - 1957
14
8
Power, Soviet
Archival Resource Key
1956
14
9
Prophesies, Cold and Electricity
Archival Resource Key
1900 - 1961
14
10
Prophesies, General
Archival Resource Key
1907 - 1959
14
11
Prophesy and Philosophy
Archival Resource Key
1905 - 1946
14
12
PublicitY
Archival Resource Key
1948 - 1960
14
13
Pupin, Michael I.
Archival Resource Key
1891 - 1931
14
14
Blackout Articles and news clippings
Archival Resource Key
1965
15
1
General Correspondence (R)
Archival Resource Key
1938 - 1955
16
1
RCA
Archival Resource Key
1970 - 1971
16
2
Radar
Archival Resource Key
1957
1943
16
3
Radio, Historic
Archival Resource Key
1914 - 1922
16
4
Radio, Long Wave
Archival Resource Key
1967
16
5
Radio, Modern Developments
Archival Resource Key
1959 - 1961
16
6
School, Nikola Tesla
Archival Resource Key
1956 - 1970
16
7
Science, Tesla Article, Correspondence
Archival Resource Key
1956 - 1959
1947
16
8
Ship Named for Tesla
Archival Resource Key
1943 - 1965
16
9
Slaby, A.
Archival Resource Key
1898
1893
16
10
Smithsonian Institution
Archival Resource Key
1957 - 1964
16
11
Stamp Commemorative
Archival Resource Key
1947 - 1970
16
12
Stamp Commemorative, news clippings
Archival Resource Key
1947 - 1950
16
13
State Department
Archival Resource Key
1956 - 1963
1970
17
1
Swezey, Kenneth
Archival Resource Key
1931 - 1971
17
2
Susskind, Charles
Archival Resource Key
1966 - 1970
17
3
Teleautomata, Historic
Archival Resource Key
17
4
Teleautomata, Modern
Archival Resource Key
1951 - 1975
17
5
Tesla Coil
Archival Resource Key
1925 - 1958
17
6
Tesla Electrical Unit (measurement)
Archival Resource Key
1956 - 1971
17
7
Tesla Handkerchief
Archival Resource Key
17
8
Tesla Personal Letters
Archival Resource Key
1898 - 1956
17
9
Tesla Society
Archival Resource Key
1945 - 1957
17
10
Tesla Villages: W. Virginia and California
Archival Resource Key
1955 - 1959
17
11
Teslions and Tesla Society Material
Archival Resource Key
1953 - 1955
17
12
Tube Lighting, Modern Development
Archival Resource Key
1954 - 1964
17
13
Turbine
Archival Resource Key
1911 - 1965
17
14
Twain, Mark
Archival Resource Key
1898 - 1959
17
15
Vacuum Tube
Archival Resource Key
1900
17
16
Watson, Thomas J.
Archival Resource Key
1956 - 1971
18
1
Webster's Biographical Dictionary
Archival Resource Key
1959 - 1969
18
2
Western Union Messengers (Pigeons), 1937‑60
Archival Resource Key
1937 - 1960
18
3
Westinghouse
Archival Resource Key
1893 - 1967
18
4
Westinghouse
Archival Resource Key
undated
18
5
Westinghouse, news clippings
Archival Resource Key
undated
18
6
Westinghouse, George, correspondence
Archival Resource Key
undated
18
7
Wireless Power
Archival Resource Key
1940
18
8
Yale
Archival Resource Key
1955
18
9
Yugoslavia
Archival Resource Key
1945 - 1963
18
10
Tesla Photographs
Series 2
Archival Resource Key
1893
1943
Scrapbook: Nicola Tesla Museum in Beograd, Yugoslavia
Archival Resource Key
undated
19
1
Scrapbook: Nicola Tesla Museum in Beograd, Yugoslavia
[Exterior view of Tesla museum.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
9.3" x 11.1".
undated
English.
[Exterior view of Tesla museum.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000022.tif (AC Scan No.)
Arrangement
In box 1, folder Nikola Museum scrapbook.
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Museum is located in Belgrade, Serbia.
Museums
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
Court of Honor Chicago World's Fair, Lighthouse
Archival Resource Key
1893
19
2
Court of Honor Chicago World's Fair, Lighthouse
Unfinished tower in front of Tesla's Long Island laboratory
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
9.6" x 7.1".
undated
English.
19
2
Unfinished tower in front of Tesla's Long Island laboratory
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000007.tif (AC Scan No.)
81-3133 (SI neg Number)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Science
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
[Illustration of Tesla's tower, Long Island laboratory, New York]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
12.4" x 7.4".
undated
English.
19
2
[Illustration of Tesla's tower, Long Island laboratory, New York]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000008.tif (AC Scan No.)
86-4086 (SI neg Number)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Science
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
Chicago World's Fair, 1893. / Court of Honor [black-and-white photoprint]
Archival Resource Key
Swezey, Kenneth M., 1905-1972 (journalist)
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
8" x 10".
1893
English.
19
2
Chicago World's Fair, 1893. / Court of Honor [black-and-white photoprint].
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000009.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Night view of the electric lights in the Court of Honor. Photographer unidentified.
Electric lighting
Electricity -- 1880-1950
Exhibitions
Chicago Ill. -- 1890-1900
World's Columbian Exposition (1893 : Chicago, Ill.)
Sculptures of Tesla
Archival Resource Key
undated
19
3
Tesla's Funeral
Archival Resource Key
1943
19
4
Tesla's Funeral
[Tesla's Funeral.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
8.0" x 10.0".
12 January 1943
English.
19
4
[Tesla's Funeral.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000012.tif (AC Scan No.)
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
This image shows pallbearers carring a flag draped coffin up stairs.
Funeral rites and ceremonies
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
Photoprints from Scrapbook - Promotion of Kenneth Swezey for Honorary Member of the Yugoslav Association
Archival Resource Key
undated
19
5
Miscellaneous photo negatives
Archival Resource Key
undated
19
6
Miscellaneous photo negatives
[Nikola Tesla's radio controlled boat.]
Archival Resource Key
1 Item
Silver gelatin on paper.
4.2" x 2.7".
undated
English.
[Nikola Tesla's radio controlled boat.]
Local Numbers
AC0047-0000020.tif (AC Scan No.)
94-6141 (SI neg number)
Arrangement
Cold storage
Conditions Governing Access
Unrestricted research use on site by appointment. Photographs must be handled with cotton gloves unless protected by sleeves.
Scope and Contents
Scanned from SI negative.
Radio control.
Tesla, Nikola, 1856-1943
Publications
Series 3
Archival Resource Key
1959-1970
Comparison of Direct and Alternating Current For High Voltage Electric Power Transmission. Publication #No. 62-901. Edison Electric Institute, Research Division.
Archival Resource Key
18
Thomas Alva Edison Foundation 15 year and 1960 Annual Report. New York, New York
Archival Resource Key
1961
18
The Sir Adam Beck-Niagra Generating Station No. 2. The Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario. Reprinted
Archival Resource Key
1961
18
Electric Power and the Environment. A Report sponsored by the Energy Policy Staff, Office of Science and Technology
Archival Resource Key
1970
18
Stryker, Roy and Mel Seidenberg. "A Pittsburgh Album, 1758-1958, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Archival Resource Key
1959
18
Tesla's Niagara Notes (in card file box)
Archival Resource Key
20
Miscellaneous
Archival Resource Key
21
Miscellaneous
Archival Resource Key
22
Miscellaneous
Archival Resource Key
23
Miscellaneous
Archival Resource Key
24
Miscellaneous
Archival Resource Key
25
Oversize
Archival Resource Key
26
Research Notes
Series 4
Archival Resource Key
undated
1
Scope and Contents note
(in a metal card box)