Audio Description

Oral history interview with Harriet Crowe, 1990. Interviewed by Earl Droessler. 1 sound cassette (ca. 1 hr.) : analog, mono. Two physical versions (one master, one copy). Forms part of the UCAR/NCAR Oral History Collection. In this interview Harriet Crowe, one of the first UCAR employees, discusses studying astronomy under Walter Orr Roberts, her role at the High Altitude Observatory (HAO) and her involvement in the early development of UCAR. Crowe discusses how UCAR/NCAR fostered interdisciplinary research; how UCAR/NCAR encouraged the study of the atmospheric sciences at universities; the evaluation and restructuring that occurred after Roberts’ departure; the role of the UCAR Board of Trustees in the management of NCAR; how university relations evolved; and the conceptualization of how UCAR could serve a broader role on behalf of the universities than solely the management of NCAR. Crowe explains the origin of the UCAR Foundation and how Members and the various affiliates programs (including the corporate affiliates, international affiliates and academic affiliates) have operated and functioned within the UCAR structure. Having worked with each of the UCAR president’s, Crowe comments on each of their personalities, characters, leadership styles and contributions. Lastly, Crowe speaks about her experience being the first female acting president.