Oral history interview with Wendell Furry 1977 January 17 and 31.

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Oral history interview with Wendell Furry 1977 January 17 and 31.

Includes information on Wendell Furry's background before coming to Harvard in 1934 and his initial reaction to Cambridge and to life in the Harvard Physics Dept. Comments on teaching undergraduate courses and contacts with students in tutorial system. His work with specific graduate students before and after his World War II interruption for the work at the MIT Radiation Laboratory. Changes within the Dept. after the War and his new teaching duties at the graduate level. The second session includes recollections of Professor Furry's ordeal before Un-American House and Senate Committees starting in 1953 and consequent difficulties with the Harvard Corporation leading to his being put on a 30 year probation at Harvard. His stand before the McCarthy Committee led to his being cited for contempt of Congress, facing trial in Federal Court. Details of financial and psychological support provided by fellow faculty members, especially those in the Physics Department. Comments on life in the Department in more recent years just prior to retirement.

Transcript: 76 pp. (2 sessions)

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SNAC Resource ID: 8293805

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