Ira N. Gabrielson Collection, 1918-1987

Object Details

Other title

The Birds of Alaska

Memoirs of Ira Noel Gabrielson and What Others Have Said About Him

Notes

Ira N. Gabrielson (1889-1987) was a wildlife biologist and early promoter of wildlife conservation. He joined the Bureau of Biological Survey in 1915, specializing in rodent control and game management, with a particular interest in waterfowl. By 1935 he had become Chief of the Survey, and when it was merged with the Bureau of Fisheries in 1940 to become the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, he was named its first Director. During his tenure, 1940-1946, millions of acres were added to the National Wildlife Refuge System. From 1946 to 1970, he served as President of the Wildlife Management Institute and became Chairman of its Board of Directors in 1970. He was active in many national and international wildlife organizations and at home served as Chairman and Chairman Emeritus of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority until his death. He received many conservation awards, was an active participant in professional groups, and the writer of four books, many articles, and many speeches.

Organization

(1) Records relating to The Birds of Alaska, 1944-1958; (2) Memoirs of Ira Noel Gabrielson and What Others Have Said About Him, by Robert A. Nesbitt, 1987; (3) diaries, 1918-1977; (4) articles and speeches, 1936-1968

Summary

This collection is composed of four distinct parts. Records documenting the writing of The Birds of Alaska, which he co-authored with Frederick C. Lincoln, include correspondence, species notes, and drafts of chapters. The Memoirs of Ira Noel Gabrielson and What Others Have Said About Him, compiled by his son-in-law, Robert A. Nesbitt, contains obituaries, reminiscences, and an autobiography which Gabrielson began and never completed. Gabrielson's diaries, 1918-1977, range from a few notes on birds seen that day to substantial accounts of daily activities. The final section of the collection contains his articles and speeches, 1936-1968.

Repository Loc.

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Capital Gallery, Suite 3000, MRC 507; 600 Maryland Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20024-2520

Data Source

Smithsonian Institution Archives

Date

1918

1918-1987

Local number

SIA RU007319

Creator

Gabrielson, Ira Noel 1889-1977

Subject

Gabrielson, Ira Noel 1889-1977

Lincoln, Frederick Charles 1892-1960

Nesbitt, Robert A

United States Bureau of Biological Survey

United States Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

National Wildlife Refuge System (U.S.)

Wildlife Management Institute

Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority

Type

Diaries

Collection descriptions

Physical description

6 cu. ft. (12 document boxes)

Topic

Ornithology

Record ID

siris_arc_217475

Usage

CC0