American Meteorological Society Oral History Project

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  • The American Meteorological Society Oral History Project (AMSOHP) aims to capture the history of the atmospheric sciences as told by scientists, administrators, and others working in the field. The collection is especially rich in interviews that capture the memories of scientists who launched much of the innovative meteorological research in post-war America.

    To browse this collection and others, please visit the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Archives: https://aspace.archives.ucar.edu/

Interviewee Sort descending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Frank Haurwitz American Meteorological Society Oral History Project

On October 22, 1993, Julius London interviewed Frank Haurwitz, discussing his family background, educational journey, and career in atmospheric sciences. Haurwitz reflects on his early life in Toronto and Boston, where his father, Bernhard Haurwitz, a prominent figure in meteorology, played an influential, though sometimes challenging, role in his academic choices. Haurwitz describes his transition from mathematics to physics at Brandeis University, later shifting to meteorology at the University of Michigan due to difficulties in physics and a desire to understand his father's field.

Julius London Boulder, CO American Meteorological Society, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Fred White American Meteorological Society Oral History Project

On January 26, 1994, Earl Droessler interviewed Dr. Fred White at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, for the American Meteorological Society and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research oral history series. This collaborative interview captures White and Droessler reflecting on their decades-long careers in atmospheric sciences, particularly their roles in establishing the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).

Earl Droessler Nashville, TN American Meteorological Society, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Frederick Sanders American Meteorological Society Oral History Project

On January 14, 2004, Kristine C. Harper interviewed Frederick Sanders for an oral history project. Sanders, born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 17, 1923, shares his extensive career in meteorology. He discusses his academic journey, starting with a strong interest in mathematics, and his decision to pursue meteorology through a U.S. Army Air Corps training program during World War II. Sanders recounts his experiences at MIT, where he advanced in meteorology and contributed to the development of forecasting techniques, including his collaboration with Ed Kessler.

Kristine Harper Seattle, WA American Meteorological Society, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
George Cressman American Meteorological Society Oral History Project

On August 24, 1992, George P. Cressman was interviewed by Warren Washington, Norman Phillips, Ron McPherson, and Jim Howcroft at the National Meteorological Center in Camp Springs, Maryland, as part of the American Meteorological Society's oral history project. Cressman discusses his early interest in meteorology, sparked by his upbringing in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and the influence of local cooperative observer Harlan Saylor.

Warren Washington, Norman Phillips, Ron McPherson, Jim Howcroft Camp Springs, MD American Meteorological Society, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
George D. Robinson American Meteorological Society Oral History Project

On June 27-28, 1994, Earl Droessler interviewed Dr. George D. Robinson at his home in West Hartford, Connecticut, for the American Meteorological Society’s Tape Recorded Interview Project. Dr. Robinson recounts his academic background, beginning with his Ph.D. in physics from Leeds University at age 22, and his early work on atmospheric pollution and chemical reactions, including pioneering experiments with smog.

Earl Droessler West Hartford, CT American Meteorological Society, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
George Platzman American Meteorological Society Oral History Project

On October 22, 1990, Norman Phillips interviewed George Platzman in the Chapman Room at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) for the American Meteorological Society's Tape Recorded Interview Project. Platzman discusses his early life in Chicago, including his father's work as an auditor for Universal Pictures and his mother's career as a piano teacher. He recalls his education, particularly the influence of his high school mathematics teacher, Bulla Schussman, who instilled rigorous intellectual habits.

Norman Phillips Boulder, CO American Meteorological Society, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Gordon D. Cartwright American Meteorological Society Oral History Project

On December 14, 1991, Morton J. Rubin interviewed Gordon D. Cartwright, a meteorologist residing in Geneva, Switzerland, for the American Meteorological Society Tape Recorded Interview Project. Cartwright recounts his early life in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, and how his interest in science, sparked by early exposure to publications like Collier’s Magazine, led him to a career in meteorology. He details his career progression within the U.S. Weather Bureau, beginning in 1929 at the Pittsburgh office, and his work in aviation meteorology, river forecasting, and upper air observations.

Morton J. Rubin Bethesda, MD American Meteorological Society, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Harry Volkman American Meteorological Society Oral History Project

On August 27, 2004, Robert Henson interviewed Harry Volkman for the American Meteorological Society Oral History Project. Volkman reflects on his pioneering career as a television meteorologist, starting in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1949, and recounts his role in shaping the early days of broadcast weather reporting. He discusses his innovative use of synoptic weather information and Morse Code skills, honed during his time in the U.S. Army, to produce accurate forecasts.

Robert Henson Chicago, IL American Meteorological Society
Heinz Lettau American Meteorological Society Oral History Project

Sharon Nicholson interviewed Heinz Lettau at Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, as part of the American Meteorological Society’s Tape Recorded Interview Project. Heinz Lettau, born in Königsberg, Germany (now Kaliningrad, Russia) in 1909, reflects on his early life, education, and career in meteorology and geophysics. He discusses his formative experiences during World War I in East Prussia, his family’s dairy business, and his early fascination with nature and science.

Sharon Nicholson , , Mt. Pleasant, SC American Meteorological Society, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Herbert Riehl American Meteorological Society Oral History Project

On September 9, 1989, Dr. Joanne Simpson interviewed Herbert Riehl for the American Meteorological Society and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Tape Recorded Interview Project. Riehl discusses his pioneering contributions to tropical meteorology, including his early work during World War II under Carl-Gustav Rossby, his involvement in training weather officers for the U.S. military, and his groundbreaking studies on the energy dynamics of tropical storms.

Joanne Simpson Boulder, CO American Meteorological Society, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research