26.46 cu. ft. (8 record storage boxes) (18.46 non-standard size boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Sound recordings
Audiotapes
Date:
circa 1915-1941
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of sound recordings created by, acquired by, or about the Smithsonian Institution and its staff. Highlights of the collection include recordings
of Native American languages being spoken or sung and radio programs, including much of "The World is Yours" program.
These records were transferred to the National Archives prior to the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution Archives, where they became part of Record Group 106.
On March 18, 2005, they were returned to the Smithsonian Institution and were added to the Archives collections.
This accession contains both master recordings and preservation copies. Masters do not exist for all of the recordings. Most master recordings are on aluminum or acetate
discs. Master recordings for the Wheelwright Collection are on audio cylinders. Reference copies of these recordings are not currently available but may be made for a fee.
Songs of the Mission Indians of California, recorded by John P. Harrington [Elements 106-1 through 106-110A] and Voices of representatives of the Aleutian Indian Tribe
in reproduction of tribal songs and linguistic material [Elements 106-111 through 106-22] were transferred to the National Anthropological Archives in June 2010.
Restrictions:
Listening copies are not currently available but may be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details.