In 1964, the American College of Radiology Foundation, created to support scientific and educational advances in radiology, took control of the National Council for Radiologic Heritage (originally known as the Gas Tube Gang). Organized to preserve the rich history of the radiology profession, the National Council for Radiologic Heritage collected a wide variety of documents and artifacts to support and record that history. Since the merger in 1964, the curators of the archives, namely Robert Morrison and Dr. Nancy Knight, through the College, have continued to collect documents and artifacts that record the history of both the College and the field of radiology.
In September 1998, the College enlisted The History Factory to conduct a survey of the archives in preparation for the College's 75th Anniversary. The assessment confirmed that an archival collection existed but was not arranged, described, or appropriately maintained for access, research and communications use.
Following the assessment, The History Factory submitted a proposal for establishing a formal archives program. As part of the first phase of the archives development plan, The History Factory transferred more than 700 linear feet of archival material including radiological equipment and artifacts to its Chantilly, Virginia facility for refinement. Specifically, The History Factory consolidated like items and identified nonarchival and duplicate material in the collection. A records arrangement was established to reflect the intellectual organization of the material. Paper documents, artifacts and audio-visual material were preserved or reformatted, as necessary, and all material was transferred to acid-free folders and boxes for long-term preservation and storage.
The immediate results are evident. The organization has already used the information and material for various projects including an exhibit and video to promote the College's 75th Anniversary.
American College of Radiology Archives
The American College of Radiology Archives is the official and most comprehensive source of original documents relating to the history of the College. Materials in the collection document the evolution of the organization since its founding in 1924, the growth and changes of its associated organizations, and the achievements of many of its prominent members. The collection, in conjunction with a 1978 donation of more than 300 pieces of equipment to the Smithsonian Institution, also records the evolution of equipment and manufacturers associated with the field of radiology. The collection includes correspondence, reports, publications, and meeting and subject files relative to the College's efforts at standardization of the field, and education and support for its members in all disciplines of radiology. The collection also includes individual members' collections documenting their professional activities and accomplishments, and a radiology profession collection including photographs, X-rays, glass slides, manufacturing catalogs and advertisements, and equipment.
Guide to Resources
This guide provides a general overview of the scope and content of the American College of Radiology Archives. It is divided into three sections including a records arrangement, scope and content notes and an organization chronology.
Maintenance and Use
The American College of Radiology Archives is maintained and managed by The History Factory in Chantilly, Virginia. The collection is protected by security and environmental controls and a disaster preparedness plan. The collection is insured. The History Factory's Archival Services Department conducts research and document retrieval upon request. To access information or documents from the collection, please contact:
The History Factory
14140 Parke Long Court
Chantilly, VA 20151-1649
Phone: 1.800.937.4001
Fax: 703.631.1124
E-mail: mclauss@historyfactory.com