Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    David Sherman
  • The Oral History Project began in 1998 to record the recollections and personal insights of the scientists and staff of the Woods HoleOceanographic Institution. Under the auspices of the Data Library and Archives, the project endeavors to include the entire spectrum of the WHOI community, scientists and engineers, support staff ashore and afloat, and collaborators from other organizations   such as MBL and USGS. 

    Since its inception in 1930 the Woods Hole   Oceanographic Institution has grown from what some     had called a summer camp for scientists to a unique,   multi-disciplined, internationally recognized giant in the world of ocean sciences. World famous not only to the international scientific community but to the average  citizen who has thrilled to the many documentaries,   books, and articles featuring the men, women, research and technology that form the backbone of the institution. WHOI represents  a unique group of innovative scientists, engineers, technicians and support staff with the common purpose of gathering, interpreting and communicating an understanding of the ocean.

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Judith McDowell, Part 3 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Interview with Judith McDowell.

Frank Taylor Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey
Don Anderson Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Dr. Donald Anderson is a renowned authority on Alexandrium and a leading figure in the study of red tide, a phenomenon that has gained significant attention in relation to climate change. Born in Milwaukee, Dr. Anderson's early life was marked by frequent moves across the country, from Salt Lake City to various locations on the East Coast and California. His father, Earl Anderson, was a marine engineer and a lieutenant in the Marines during World War II, while his mother, Joan Anderson, worked in various jobs for the government. Dr.

Frank Taylor , , Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey
Alfred Woodcock Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Alfred Woodcock was a self-taught scientist and observer of nature who made significant contributions to the fields of oceanography and meteorology. He began his career as one of the first employees of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and sailed on the maiden voyage of the research vessel Atlantis in 1931. Woodcock worked as a laboratory and ship's technician, conducting various studies related to hydrography, plankton migration, and meteorology.

Frank Taylor Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey
John Stegeman, Part 1 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Interview with John Stegeman.

Frank Taylor Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey
Barbara Martineau, Part 1 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Interview with Barbara Martineau.

Frank Taylor Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey
John Stegeman, Part 2 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Interview with John Stegeman.

Frank Taylor Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey
Barbara Martineau, Part 2 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Interview with Barbara Martineau.

Frank Taylor Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey
John Stegeman, Part 3 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Interview with John Stegeman.

Frank Taylor Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey
Richard Backus Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Richard Haven Backus was a renowned biological oceanographer who spent his entire career at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). He was born in Rochester, NY, in 1922 and grew up in West Webster, NY, where he developed a love for nature and the outdoors. He graduated from The Harley School and went on to study at Dartmouth College, where he became involved in the Outing Club and served as a B-24 navigator during World War II. Backus pursued further education at Cornell University, earning an M.S. in Vertebrate Zoology and a Ph.D. in Ichthyology.

Frank Taylor , , , Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey
John Stegeman, Part 4 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Interview with John Stegeman.

Frank Taylor Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey