NIST History Program

Beginning with our founding on March 3, 1901 as the National Bureau of Standards, NIST now has over 100 years of history touching on almost all areas of science and engineering.  

NIST History  I   Timeline   i  History Publications   i   Story Booth   i   Oral Histories   i   Archival Resources  I  Research Library Resources

NIST History

Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. 

Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. 

Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. Brief history of NBS to NIST, NIST purpose, goals, etc. 

Explore NIST History through the Timeline, History Publications, Story Booth, and Oral Histories webpages.

Timeline

Story Booth

History Publications

Oral Histories

NIST Archives and Research Library

Archival Resources

The Archives Program provides comprehensive information about NBS/NIST historical programs and accomplishments by collecting, documenting, organizing and preserving significant archival materials.

• NIST Digital Archives provides access to NIST historical photographs and museum artifacts. You can download and print (on 8 1/2" x 11" paper) postcards of some popular historic images:
  • Anechoic Chamber and Dish Smashing Machine
  • Automobile Testing and Miniature Radio
  • MAGIC computer and Optical Glass
  • Charters of Freedom and the Stepmeter
  • 1918 Personnel Photos and the Wind Tunnel
  • High Voltage Lab and Reflecting Telescope
• "A Century of Excellence in Measurements, Standards, and Technology - A Chronicle of Selected NBS/NIST Publications, 1901 - 2000" - Selected NIST-authored publications that highlight important NIST research over the last century.
• Archival copies of all NBS/NIST publications - Each NBS/NIST publication is kept in the Archives Collection.
• Biographical Files - Biographical information on current and former NBS/NIST Staff
• Collected papers and correspondence of distinguished scientists - Recorded research and correspondence of notable NBS/NIST staff
• Directories - NBS/NIST telephone directories from the early 1900s to the present time
• Museum artifact files - Materials and resources related to artifacts displayed in the NIST Museum

• 

  NIST/NBS History Volumes - 3-volume set tracing the history of NIST (formerly NBS) from its creation in 1901 through 1993.
• NIST Organization Charts, 1991-2008 - Charts that depict NIST changes in leadership from 1991 to 2001
• Photograph Collection - Photos of NBS/NIST research activities, events, and portraits from early days to the present
• Portraits - Photos of NBS/NIST Directors, scientists, engineers and program managers
• Subject Files - Research materials on activities, projects, affiliations and research relating to NBS/NIST
• Video, Cassette and Slide Collections - Audio visual materials relating to NBS/NIST activities

Research Library Resources

The NIST Research Library houses full collections of NIST Historical Books and Technical Reports.

Historical Books Collection 

Online Archive of NBS/NIST Technical Reports