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Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection

Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Interviewee:
Alcorn, Allan, 1948-  Search this
Bushnell, Nolan  Search this
Dabney, Samuel Frederick "Ted", 1937-2018  Search this
Daglow, Donald  Search this
Edwards, Daniel  Search this
Graetz, Martin  Search this
Laurel, Brenda  Search this
Piner, Stephen  Search this
Russell, Stephen, 1937-  Search this
Samson, Peter, 1941-  Search this
Saunders, Robert Alan  Search this
Wiitanen, Wayne  Search this
Interviewer:
Weaver, Christopher  Search this
Extent:
45.6 Gigabytes (19 .wav files)
12 Documents (12 .pdf files)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Gigabytes
Documents
Oral history
Video recordings
Born digital
Date:
2017-2018
Summary:
Born-digital audio interviews and transcripts with individuals involved in the early development of video games.
Content Description:
Born-digital audio interviews and transcripts with video game pioneers: Allan Alcorn, Nolan Bushnell, Samuel "Ted" Dabney, Donald Daglow, Daniel Edwards, Martin Graetz, Brenda Laurel, Stephen Piner, Stephen Russell, Peter Samson, Robert Saunders, and Wayne Wiitanen.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into two series.

Series1: Transcripts, 2017-2018

Series 2: Audio Files, 2017-2018
Historical:
The oral histories in this collection were conducted as part of the Lemelson Center's Video Game Initiative launched in 2017 to preserve first-hand accounts of the invention, development, marketing, and play of video games. The oral histories capture the interviewees recollections, emotions, and other perspectives often missing from written records. The Video Game Initiative is intended to support scholarly and public history research; public engagement with science, engineering, and innovation; and future exhibitions at the National Museum of American History.
Provenance:
Made for the National Museum of American History.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Rights:
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.
Topic:
Video games  Search this
Transcripts  Search this
Genre/Form:
Oral history -- 2010-2020
Video recordings
Born digital
Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1498
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep821989bca-6cb1-4a3c-859a-35fa9fb2fcf5
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-1498

Allan E. Alcorn

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2018-03-16
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection / Series 1: Transcripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8ec420eb7-80f5-49fc-8121-fe29d1163c9b
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref1

Peter Samson

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2017-01-09
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection / Series 1: Transcripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8f9177414-0209-4c0a-b2aa-238a4983bb81
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref10

Robert Alan Saunders

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2018-11-29
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection / Series 1: Transcripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep89c551f88-4cb4-48f3-b3e9-215c6c5853e6
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref11

Wayne Alfred Wiitanen

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2018-11-30
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection / Series 1: Transcripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8b0d78965-ac7d-401a-8fa8-a640dc06081a
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref12

Transcripts

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2017-2018
Scope and Contents:
This series consists of 12 interview transcripts. The series is arranged alphabetically by last name of interviewee.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1498, Series 1
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8ab6d996c-7151-4ab1-8a28-1b30522ed754
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref13

Audio Files

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2017-2018
Scope and Contents:
This series consists of 19 .wav audio files for 12 interviews. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1498, Series 2
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep816477b77-e337-48b4-a4a5-9da649eb9886
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref14

Nolan Bushnell

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2017-11-17
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection / Series 1: Transcripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8c936b349-7177-48e8-8a6c-9383c86540f4
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref2

Samuel F. "Ted" Dabney

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2018-03-15
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection / Series 1: Transcripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep834fcbf18-97b0-43b0-a765-70da8cd0d6b8
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref3

Donald Daglow

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2017-01-09
Scope and Contents:
Correction to transcript on page 21: "Snowball" should read "SNOBOL."
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection / Series 1: Transcripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8f61822c0-f238-426b-93ac-6d1c58323025
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref4

Daniel James Edwards

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2018-11-30
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection / Series 1: Transcripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8b13e9b39-8f8b-42d0-9741-5fade0b439d4
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref5

Martin J. Graetz

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2018-11-30
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection / Series 1: Transcripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8472c522b-ff66-455d-a13c-9d69a770fc58
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref6

Brenda Laurel

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2017-01-10
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection / Series 1: Transcripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8f585c193-f53b-47c2-9e5a-ba2b5fe30134
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref7

Stephen Piner

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2018-11-29
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection / Series 1: Transcripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep825d4925c-bacc-4d57-9b7f-61991a6bc354
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref8

Stephen (Steve) "Slug" Russell

Collection Compiler:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
2017-01-08
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of born digital audio materials available in the Archives Center reading room.
Collection Rights:
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.
Collection Citation:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
See more items in:
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection
Video Game Pioneers Oral History Collection / Series 1: Transcripts
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8d5b36188-55ed-4a82-81b3-db96992864c8
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-1498-ref9

Inventors Oral History Collection

Creator:
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Interviewer:
Bedi, Joyce  Search this
Daemmrich, Arthur  Search this
Oswald, Alison  Search this
Ott, Katherine  Search this
Interviewee:
Hamilton, Marilyn, 1949-  Search this
Hyatt, Gilbert P. , 1938-  Search this
Lindahl, Lisa  Search this
Miller, Hinda  Search this
Reid, Tahira N.  Search this
Smith, Polly Palmer  Search this
Extent:
855.63 Gigabytes (Interviews include .mp4, video/.mxf and .wav files. )
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Gigabytes
Born digital
Oral history
Transcripts
Date:
2020-2021
Summary:
Born digital video oral history interviews and transcripts with inventors and others associated with the invention process. The interviews document a variety of subjects and disciplines.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into one series, alphabetical by last name of interviewee.
Related Materials:
Materials in the Archives Center

JogBra, Inc. Records (NMAH.AC.1315)

Disability Reference Collection (NMAH.AC.1319)

Folia Water Materials (NMAH.AC.1407)

Materials at the Smithsonian Institution Archives

Program/Project Records, 1994-2017 (SIA Acc. 19-100)

Interview with Theresa Dankovitch, inventor of the Folia water filter.

Interview with David Stone, inventor of Ferrock, a carbon-negative substitute for concrete. Also includes interviewee Richard Pablo.

Interview with Amy Prieto, inventor of a rechargeable battery.

Interview with John Warner, co-founder of the field of green chemistry.

Program/Project Records, 1989-2010 (SIA Acc. 12-582)

Interview with Remo Belli, jazz drummer who developed and marketed the first successful synthetic drumheads and founded the Remo company.

Interview with Arthur Ganson, inventor, kinetic sculptor and musician.

Audiovisual Records, 1995-2014 (SIA Acc. 16-092)

Interview with Gary Fisher, inventor of the modern mountain bike.

Lemelson Center, Program/Project Records, 2006-2015 (SIA Acc. 16-043)

Interview with Doreen Lorenzo, former president of Quirky.

Interview with Corinna E. Lathan, co-Founder of AnthroTronix, Inc., a biomedical research and development company with a focus on assistive technologies.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research. Access and use of audiovisual materials available in the Archives Center reading room or by requesting copies of audiovisual materials at RightsReproductions@si.edu.
Rights:
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.
Topic:
African American engineers  Search this
Brassieres -- 20th century  Search this
Computer science  Search this
Disabilities  Search this
Double Dutch  Search this
Electrical engineering  Search this
Electrical engineers  Search this
Inventors  Search this
Inventions -- 20th century  Search this
Mechanical engineers  Search this
Mechanical engineering and engineers  Search this
Microprocessors  Search this
Running  Search this
Sports  Search this
Sports bra  Search this
Women inventors  Search this
wheelchairs  Search this
Inventors, Black  Search this
Genre/Form:
Born digital
Oral history -- 2010-2020
Transcripts
Citation:
Inventors Oral History Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.1504
See more items in:
Inventors Oral History Collection
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep85c072cbb-cb11-493e-a0e6-184df5e09c2e
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-1504

Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation

Creator:
Liebhold, Peter  Search this
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Names:
Gerber Company.  Search this
Gerber, H. Joseph, 1924-1996  Search this
Extent:
2.5 Cubic feet (9 boxes )
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Videotapes
Date:
1995-1996
Summary:
The Gerber Fabric Cutter S-70 is part of a systematic approach to layout and cutting that has revolutionized the needle trades. This video history contains original, master, and reference videos, Dictaphone microcassettes, and tape digests and notes documenting the development, operation and use of the Gerber Fabric Cutter S-70 in three locations: H.I.S., Inc., in Bruceton, Tennessee (Chic blue jeans use of cuter); General Motors in Grand Rapids, Michigan (automotive use of the cutter); and Gerber Scientific Instrument Company in Hartford, Connecticut (Gerber corporate office and invention factory). The video footage documents H. Joseph Gerber, engineers, assembly workers, operators, and other technicians who worked with the cutter at the three locations. The footage from the Tennessee and Michigan sites provides insight into the complexity of introducing a new technology into the workplace and documents operators and managers discussing the effect of the cutter on workflow, quality, personnel, and attitudes towards the job. The footage from the Connecticut site documents the engineers who developed the cutter and provides valuable insight into the invention process. This collection includes oral history audio tapes, original, master, and reference videos, and notes documenting visits to Bruceton, Tennessee, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Hartford, Connecticut.
Scope and Contents:
The Gerber Fabric Cutter S-70 is part of a systematic approach to layout and cutting that has revolutionized the needle trades. It applies numerical control to the sizing of patterns and cutting of fabric. The use of this type of equipment made possible a radical change in the make-up of the cutting room workforce. This video history contains original, master, and reference videos, Dictaphone microcassettes, and tape digests and notes documenting the development, operation and use of the Gerber Fabric Cutter S-70 in three locations: H.I.S., Inc., in Bruceton, Tennessee (Chic blue jeans use of cuter); General Motors in Grand Rapids, Michigan (automotive use of the cutter); and Gerber Scientific Instrument Company in Hartford, Connecticut (Gerber corporate office and invention factory). The video footage documents H. Joseph Gerber, engineers, assembly workers, operators, and other technicians who worked with the cutter at the three locations. The footage from the Tennessee and Michigan sites provides insight into the complexity of introducing a new technology into the workplace and documents operators and managers discussing the effect of the cutter on workflow, quality, personnel, and attitudes towards the job. The footage from the Connecticut site documents the engineers who developed the cutter and provides valuable insight into the invention process.

The collection is arranged into five series: Series 1, Notes, 1995-1996; Series 2, Audio tapes (microcassettes), 1996; Series 3, Original videos (BetaCam SP), 1996; Series 4, Master videos (BetaCam SP), 1996; and Series 5, Reference videos 1⁄2" VHS), 1996.

Series 1, Notes, 1995-1996, includes documentation created by Peter Liebhold in preparation for his site visits to Bruceton, Tennessee, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Hartford, Connecticut. The documentation includes lists of potential interviewees, questions to ask of the employees, and general notes detailing observations at each site. The H. Joseph Gerber interview file consists of a brief tape digest keyed to each of the seven microcassettes, notes from the interview, and the questions asked of Mr. Gerber. The Gerber Scientific Instrument Company file contains a video digest for only three interviews: Ed Roth, Fred Rosen, and Larry Wolfson.

Series 2, Audio tapes (microcassettes), 1995 June, consists of seven Dictaphone microcassettes of oral history interviews with H. Joseph Gerber conducted by Peter Liebhold, Curator, American History Museum and Stanley Leven, Director and Secretary of Gerber Scientific Instrument Company.

Series 3, Original Videos (BetaCam SP), 1996, consists of thirty-eight BetaCam SP video tapes totaling approximately nineteen hours of footage.

Series 4, Master Videos (BetaCam SP), 1996, consists of twenty-six BetaCam SP tapes totaling nineteen hours of footage.

Series 5, Reference videos (1/2" VHS), 1996, consists of twenty-six 1⁄2" VHS tapes for a total of thirteen hours of footage.
Arrangement:
The collection is divided into five series.

Series 1: Notes, 1995-1996

Series 2: Audio tapes (microcassettes), 1995 June

Series 3: Original videos (BetaCam SP), 1996

Series 4: Master videos (BetaCam SP), 1996

Series 5: Reference videos (1/2" VHS), 1996
Biographical / Historical:
Heinz Joseph "Joe" Gerber was born in Vienna, Austria, on April 17, 1924. In 1940, Gerber escaped the Nazis and immigrated to New York City and then to Hartford, Connecticut, with his mother Bertha Gerber, a dressmaker. Gerber's father, Jacob, is presumed to have died in a concentration camp. Gerber attended Weaver High School and graduated in two years (1943). He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, on a scholarship and earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering in 1947. As a junior at RPI, Gerber developed the Gerber Variable Scale, his first invention. The earliest version of the variable scale was fashioned from an elastic band removed from a pair of pajamas. Gerber created a rubber rule and scale that could flow with a curve, expand, contract, and turn a corner. The scale allows for direct reading of curves, graphs, and graphical representations, giving direct numerical readings of proportions, spacing and interpolation. The Variable Scale became the building block of what would become Gerber Scientific Instrument, Inc.

With financial assistance from Abraham Koppleman, a newspaper and magazine distributor in Hartford, Gerber and Koppleman formed a partnership and incorporated Gerber Scientific Instrument Company in 1948. Gerber served as president, Koppleman as treasurer, and Stanley Levin as secretary. The manufacture of Variable Scale was jobbed out and the distribution was conducted from Hartford. Gerber also worked as a design analytical engineer for Hamilton Standard Propellers of United Aircraft and for Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Shares of Gerber Scientific Instrument Company were eventually sold to the public in 1961, and in 1978, the company changed its name to Gerber Scientific, Inc. In the 1960s and 1970s, Gerber developed the first series of precision, computer-driven cutting systems for the apparel industry called the Gerber Cutter. The cutters introduced automation to the garment industry. In 1967, Gerber realized that the U.S. garment industry, due to a lack of automation, was faced with increasing overseas competition. Gerber's solution was to engineer the Gerber Fabric Cutter S-70, a machine that cuts apparel quickly and effectively while using less cloth.

Gerber holds more than 600 United States and foreign patents. Many of his patents relate to the United States apparel industry. In 1994, Gerber was awarded the National Medal of Technology by President Clinton for helping to revolutionize the optical, garment, automotive, and other industries. His pioneering achievements include:

-a generation of data readers (electromechanical devices that converted graphical

-data directly into computer readable format);

-projection systems that interactively converted information from aerial;

-photographs for use in computers;

-devices that plotted digital output data from computer cards or tape;

-digital numerically-controlled drafting machines which verify the accuracy of the cutting path of numerical machine tools;

-a photoplotter (drafting machine configured with a unique light source to directly draw high accuracy layouts of printed circuit board masters on photographic film or glass with light beams);

-and systems with laser technology to draw at high speeds. (1)

Subsequent subsidiaries of Gerber Scientific, Inc., are: Gerber Garment Technology, Inc., (GGT); Gerber Scientific Products, Inc. (GSP); Gerber Systems Corp. (GSC), and Gerber Optical, Inc., (GO). GGT makes computer-controlled cutting and design equipment for apparel, automotive, aerospace and other industries. GSP produces systems for sign-making and graphic arts industries. GSC makes production systems for printing, industrial machinery and other industries. GO makes equipment for the optical-lens manufacturing industry. (2)

In 1954, Gerber married Sonia Kanciper. They had a daughter, Melisa Tina Gerber, and a son, David Jacques Gerber. H. Joseph Gerber died on August 9, 1996, at the age of 72.

Sources

(1) National Medal of Technology, 1994.

(2) W. Joseph Campbell, "High Tech and Low Key as Gerber Scientific Mounts a Recovery Philosophy Reflects Innovative Founder," Hartford Courant, May 16, 1994.
Related Materials:
Materials in the Archives Center

The Gerber Scientific Instrument Company Records, 1911-1998 (AC0929)

Materials in the Division of Work and Industry, National Museum of American History

Early model Gerber variable scale. See accession 1994.3104.01.

Gerber Cutter, Model 70. See accessioon 1995.0229.01.
Provenance:
This collection was created by the Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation with American History Cuartor Peter Liebhold, Division of Work and Industry.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the original videos are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning intellectual property rights. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions. Researchers must use reference copies of audio-visual materials. When no reference copy exists, the Archives Center staff will produce reference copies on an "as needed" basis, as resources allow. Series 3, Original Videos, 1996, is located off-site; please inquire.
Topic:
Inventors -- 1940-1990  Search this
Machinery -- 1940-1990  Search this
Work -- 1940-1990  Search this
Factories -- 1940-1990  Search this
Fabric cutters -- 1940-1990  Search this
Inventions -- 1920-2000 -- United States  Search this
Industrial factories -- 1940-1990  Search this
Automation -- 1940-1990  Search this
Cutting machines -- 1940-1990 -- North Carolina -- Connecticut -- Michigan  Search this
Computerized instruments -- 1940-1990  Search this
Genre/Form:
Videotapes -- 1990-2000
Citation:
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation, February 1995-1996, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation, 1995-1996, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0609
See more items in:
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8d51bbe64-d340-4a74-aa00-e1916cfcb7a8
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0609

RV 609.4 H.I.S, Inc., Bruceton, Tennessee, Total Running Time: 30:00

Collection Creator:
Liebhold, Peter  Search this
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Container:
Box 7, Folder RV 609.4
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
1996
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the original videos are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning intellectual property rights. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions. Researchers must use reference copies of audio-visual materials. When no reference copy exists, the Archives Center staff will produce reference copies on an "as needed" basis, as resources allow. Series 3, Original Videos, 1996, is located off-site; please inquire.
Collection Citation:
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation, February 1995-1996, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation, 1995-1996, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.
See more items in:
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation / Series 5: Reference Videos (1/2" VHS)
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8c22bae37-7fcc-4bd8-87f4-9bdfce5d5ed4
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0609-ref100

RV 609.5 H.I.S, Inc., Bruceton, Tennessee, Total Running Time: 30:00

Collection Creator:
Liebhold, Peter  Search this
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Container:
Box 7, Folder RV 609.5
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
1996
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the original videos are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning intellectual property rights. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions. Researchers must use reference copies of audio-visual materials. When no reference copy exists, the Archives Center staff will produce reference copies on an "as needed" basis, as resources allow. Series 3, Original Videos, 1996, is located off-site; please inquire.
Collection Citation:
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation, February 1995-1996, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation, 1995-1996, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.
See more items in:
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation / Series 5: Reference Videos (1/2" VHS)
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep87bcdb37a-5227-46f7-8a76-457cc5660dfc
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0609-ref101

RV 609.6 H.I.S, Inc., Bruceton, Tennessee, Total Running Time: 30:00

Collection Creator:
Liebhold, Peter  Search this
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.  Search this
Container:
Box 7, Folder RV 609.6
Type:
Archival materials
Moving Images
Date:
1996
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the original videos are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning intellectual property rights. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions. Researchers must use reference copies of audio-visual materials. When no reference copy exists, the Archives Center staff will produce reference copies on an "as needed" basis, as resources allow. Series 3, Original Videos, 1996, is located off-site; please inquire.
Collection Citation:
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation, February 1995-1996, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation, 1995-1996, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.
See more items in:
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation
Gerber Fabric Cutter Video Documentation / Series 5: Reference Videos (1/2" VHS)
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8226289d4-ef04-403e-8e54-a6d503448f2e
EDAN-URL:
ead_component:sova-nmah-ac-0609-ref102

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