Thomas F. Malone
American Meteorological Society Oral History Project
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.
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On February 11, 1988, John S. Perry interviewed Dr. Thomas F. Malone for the American Meteorological Society and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. The interview, conducted at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in Cambridge, Massachusetts, explores Malone’s early life, career, and contributions to meteorology. Raised on a ranch in South Dakota, Malone was influenced by his father’s practical interest in weather forecasting and telecommunication. His educational journey led him from the South Dakota School of Mines to MIT, where he studied under prominent meteorologists and participated in the WWII aviation cadet meteorology program.
Malone recounts his role in the development of private-sector meteorological services, including establishing a research and weather forecasting center for the Travelers Insurance Company. He reflects on the integration of meteorology with geophysics and economics, driven by his work on hazards and long-range planning for the insurance industry. His career highlights include leadership in the American Geophysical Union and the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO, where he sought to bridge natural and social sciences.
Malone also discusses his engagement in international meteorological efforts and his role in initiating the Global Atmospheric Research Program (GARP), underscoring the necessity of a global perspective in meteorology. The interview offers insights into Malone’s impact on the field, from advancing statistical forecasting methods to fostering interdisciplinary and international collaboration.
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