Pinkett, Harold T., 1914-2001

Harold Thomas Pinkett (April 7, 1914 - March 13, 2001) was born in Salisbury, Maryland. He attended Morgan College (now Morgan State University), where he graduated summa cum laude in 1935. In 1938, he earned his M. A. in history from the University of Pennsylvania.

He started an outstanding career of over 35 years of service at the National Archives in 1942. He was the first African American to hold such a position in any American archival institution. During this time he specialized in agricultural records, and went on to earn his doctoral degree in history from American University. His dissertation focused on the work of Gifford Pinchot, Chief of the Forest Service, in which Pinkett used records from RG 95: Records of the Forest Service.

Throughout his career, Dr. Pinkett published many articles regarding the holdings of the National Archives, and other issues of professional archival interest. In addition to contributing articles, he also served as a member of the Editorial Board on the new Prologue: Journal of the National Archives. He also wrote many of the original inventories of the Department of Agriculture records. In 1959, he was promoted to chief of the Agriculture and General Services Branch, supervising the archival and administrative operations of that branch. In 1968, he was promoted to Divisional Deputy Director. In 1971, he took on the leadership duties of the newly-created Natural Resources Records Branch, a transfer that made him the highest-ranking African American in the General Services Administration. After retiring, he received an Exceptional Service Award for his career services at the National Archives. Post-retirement, Dr. Pinkett was an archival consultant for African American organizations including the National Business League, the United Negro College Fund, the National Urban League, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Dr. Pinkett was highly involved in the Society of American Archivists, holding many committee and chair roles, as well as being the editor for the American Archivist journal. He was also active in the Forest History Society, serving on its Board of Directors and elected president. In 1975, he was named a Fellow of the Forest History Society, the Society’s highest honor. He taught at both Howard University and American University. Additionally, Dr. Pinkett was also an Army veteran, serving in World War II.