National Museum of History and Technology. Division of Electricity and Modern Physics.

The earliest artifacts relating to electricity date to 1885, with collections forming part of the Section of Steam Transportation, Department of Arts and Industries. In 1889 the Section made a significant acquisition when it acquired the original Alfred Vail telegraphic receiver. George C. Maynard curated the collections during most of this early period, serving in various capacities from 1885 until 1918. For a history of this unit and its successors through the early years of the Division of Engineering, see record unit 297.

In the reorganization of 1938, the Section of Electrical Engineering and Communications was created in the Division of Engineering, Department of Engineering and Industries. Frank A. Taylor, the dominant figure in the Division throughout the 1930s and 1940s, was placed in charge. The Section was renamed the Section of Electricity in 1947 and the Division of Electricity in 1957. In 1969 it became the Division of Electricity and Nuclear Energy and in 1978, the Division of Electricity and Modern Physics. Staff members of the curating divisions since 1938 have included Frank A. Taylor, Curator of the Division and in charge of the Section, 1932-1948; Carl W. Mitman, in charge of the Section while Taylor was on war duty, 1943-1946; Kenneth M. Perry, Associate Curator, 1948-1956; W. James King, Jr., Associate Curator, 1956-1958, Acting Curator, 1958-1961; Robert P. Multhauf, Acting Curator (while Head Curator of the Department), 1961-1963; Bernard S. Finn, Associate Curator, 1963-1965, Curator, 1965- ; and Paul Forman, Associate Curator, 1972-1975, Curator, 1976- .

From the description of Division of Electricity and Modern Physics, National Museum of History and Technology, 1886-1978 Records. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 84429762