Guide to Otis Archives Collections

History

The Museum formally established the Historical Archives in 1968 to take custody of the Museum's records, other historical documents, and rare books, which were previously held in various divisions. The department was named the Otis Historical Archives (OHA) in 1971. OHA collections include institutional records and collected material.

Part I: Institutional Records

Institutional records fall into three categories: Curatorial Records are those series that ended before 1946, when the Museum became a division of the Army Institute of Pathology. With this change, the curator no longer headed an independent institution but served under the AIP director. Museum Records include series that were created since, or continued after, that date. Contemporary Museum records are arranged into collections by department and then into series by individual staff members. Current Museum departments include Otis Historical Archives, Anatomical Collections, Historical Collections, Education and Public Programs, Exhibits, and the Administrative Office. These active records are closed to researchers. Photographic collections are named separately.