Overview of the Collection
Smithsonian Institution Archives,
Washington, D.C.,
osiaref@si.edu
Cowan, Richard S., 1921-1997, interviewee
Oral Histories
Richard S. Cowan Oral History Interviews
1974
4 audiotapes (Reference copies). 4 digital .mp3 files (Reference copies).
Record Unit 9501
English
Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 9501, Richard S. Cowan Oral History Interviews
Historical Note
Richard Sumner Cowan began his career in 1948 at the New York Botanical Garden and received his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1952. Cowan joined the staff of the
National Museum of Natural History in 1957 as an Associate Curator in the Department of Botany, where he continued his work in the systematic taxonomy of neotropical flora.
In 1962 Cowan was appointed Assistant Director of the Museum of Natural History, and in 1965 he assumed the directorship of the museum. He has continued his work as Senior
Botanist, National Museum of Natural History, since his retirement from administration in 1973. Cowan has served on many significant committees in the Institution and in many
professional societies.
Introduction
The Smithsonian Institution Archives began its Oral History Program in 1973. The purpose of the program is to supplement the written documentation of the Archives'
record and manuscript collections with an Oral History Collection, focusing on the history of the Institution, research by its scholars, and contributions of its staff. Program
staff conduct interviews with current and retired Smithsonian staff and others who have made significant contributions to the Institution. There are also interviews conducted
by researchers or students on topics related to the history of the Smithsonian or the holdings of the Smithsonian Institution Archives.
Cowan was interviewed for the Oral History Project because he has made significant scholarly and administrative contributions to the Smithsonian Institution during 17 years
of service.
Descriptive Entry
Cowan was interviewed by Miriam Freilicher on March 26 and April 2 and 25, 1974. The interviews include his reminiscences of his early career, the Department of Botany
when he joined the staff, his work in administration, and changes within the National Museum of Natural History and the Institution in the 1960's.
Index Terms
This record series is indexed under the following controlled access subject terms.
Name
Cowan, Richard S., 1921-1997
Freilicher, Miriam S., interviewer
National Museum of Natural History (U.S.)
National Museum of Natural History (U.S.). Department of Botany
National Museum of Natural History (U.S.). Assistant Director
National Museum of Natural History (U.S.). Office of the Director
New York Botanical Garden
Subject
Botany
Museum curators -- Interviews
Museum directors -- Interviews
Botanists
Interviews
Oral history
Physical Characteristics of Materials in the Collection
Compact discs
Audiotapes
Transcripts
Electronic records
Interviews
Interviews
Interview 1: March 26, 1974
Interviews
Interview of Cowan covers his education, early work in botany, first impressions of the Smithsonian and the beginning of his administrative career, c. 1921-1965.
Interviews
Transcript, pp. 1-37, of audio recording, 1 hour.
Interviews
Recording of Interview: Total Recording Time: 1 hour
- Original Masters: 1 5" reel-to-reel analog audiotape
- Preservation Masters: 2 7" reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 2 digital .wav files
- Reference Copies: 1 cassette audiotape; 2 digital .mp3 files.
Interviews
Interview 2: April 2, 1974
Interviews
Interview of Cowan includes his role in administration of the National Museum of Natural History, scientific professionalism, change in the museum and the Smithsonian during the 1960's, c. 1960-1970.
Interviews
Transcript, pp. 38-75, of audio recording, 1 hour.
Interviews
Recording of Interview: Total Recording Time: 1 hour
- Original Masters: 1 5" reel-to-reel analog audiotape
- Preservation Masters: 4 7" reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 2 digital .wav files
- Reference Copies: 1 cassette audiotape; 2 digital .mp3 files.
Interviews
Interview 3: April 25, 1974
Interviews
Interview of Cowan discusses administration, exhibits function, space planning in the museum and plans for a Flora North America, c. 1965- 1974.
Interviews
Transcript, pp. 76-136, of audio recording, 1.5 hours.
Interviews
Recording of Interview: Total Recording Time: 1.5 hours
- Original Masters: 2 5" reel-to-reel analog audiotapes
- Preservation Masters: 6 7" reel-to-reel analog audiotapes; 3 digital .wav files
- Reference Copies: 2 cassette audiotapes; 3 digital .mp3 files.