Preserving the History of Molecular Biology and Genetics, as Documented through the Archives of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

FAIN: PG-51364-11

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724-2202)
Ludmila Pollock (Project Director: May 2010 to December 2012)

A preservation assessment and on-site staff training in collections care for an archive documenting the history of molecular biology and genetics research in the 20th century. The archive has served as a rich resource for humanities scholars working in the history of science, resulting in a number of biographies on James D. Watson and documentaries on the discovery of DNA.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Archives is seeking support from the NEH to engage a consultant to assess its collections; assist in the preparation of plans for the care of these collections; and conduct an on-site workshop on preservation of archival collections. The CSHL Archives houses a rich repository of books, manuscripts, photographs, and reprints documenting genetics research and the work of the faculty of CSHL and its predecessor institutions dating back to 1890. The Archives also houses the collection of the Eugenics Records Office, which existed at Cold Spring Harbor from 1910 to 1924; books produced and collected by CSHL; collections of prominent scientists associated with CSHL; and other materials relating to the scientific work, scientists, buildings, Laboratory and local history, and meetings and courses that have been held at CSHL. Together these materials provide deep insight into the history of molecular biology and genetics.