The Division of Petrology was established in the Department of Mineral Sciences in 1964. In 1973, the name was changed to the Division of Petrology and Volcanology. Curators in the Division have included William G. Melson, Associate Curator, Curator, and Senior Scientist, 1964- ; Tom Simkin, Geologist, Associate Curator, and Curator, 1972- ; Richard S. Fiske, Curator and Geologist, 1975- ; Sorena Sorensen, Associate Curator and Curator, 1984- ; and James F. Luhr, Curator, 1992- .
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Agency History. Record 218109