Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Edward E. David Papers, White House Central Files, 1969-1974
- Dates:
- 1969-1974
- Creators:
- David, Edward E.
- Abstract:
- Extent:
- 59 linear feet, 11 linear inches; 137 boxes
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
Edward E. David Papers, White House Central Files, 1969-1974. Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The materials of Edward E(mil) David, Jr. reflect his responsibilities as Science Adviser to the President, Director of the Office of Science and Technology, Chairman of the Federal Council for Science and Technology, and Chairman of the President's Science Advisory Committee. David succeeded Dr. Lee A. Dubridge in August, 1970 and served for twenty-eight months, until January, 1973. In Current Biography (May, 1974), David's cited accomplishments at the White House were the reorganization of the federal government's scientific complex; initiation of reciprocal research agreements with several countries; reestablishment of a technological partnership between government and private industry; increasing of the federal science budget; and application of esoteric research techniques to such mundane problems of food production, mass transit and the conservation of natural resources. The files are arranged in four series. The first is the OST White House Files (1962-1973), which is arranged alphabetically by subject after the prefix "White House." Each folder in the series contains a typewritten list of the correspondence in the folder, in reverse chronological order. The materials are now filed in straight chronological order. The first three boxes of materials are file coded "White House - Title Folder" and contain the OST Chron Files. Thereafter, the files are subject files, filed alphabetically and in chronological order. Filed at the end of the series is a subseries of alphabetically arranged administrative files that include David's chron files, materials concerning his writings, speeches and travel, and personal. Comprising about two-thirds of David's materials are two series that pertain to the New Technology Opportunities (NTO) program which was initiated to stimulate research and development for the application of new technology to national problems including energy, environment, health care, natural disasters and transportation. The NTO Alpha Subject Files [1971-1972] contain correspondence filed alphabetically by subject from industries, educational institutions, professional associations and organizations, and individuals responding to White House letters soliciting ideas for the NTO program. The NTO Numerical Subject Files, [1960; 1969-1972] are arranged under a numerical file code scheme (a copy of the master file index is attached in the appendix). This series contains three subseries filed after the numerically coded materials: NTO Chron Files [1971-1972]; NTO Lawrence A. Goldmuntz Files [1969-1971], arranged alphabetically; and NTO Viewgraphs and Backup Materials [1971-1972]. The final series of David materials is the Frank R. Pagnotta Files [1968-1973], containing the OST Executive Officer's collection of printed reports and Congressional documents. Reports are arranged alphabetically by title, and House and Senate documents by numerical sequence. David's materials also include 11.5 cubic feet of security investigation files that are not processed. Related materials are in White House Central File subject categories FG 6-9 (Office of Science and Technology); FG 119 (Federal Council for Science and Technology); FG 152 (National Academy of Sciences); FG 164 (National Aeronautics and Space Administration); FG 182 (National Science Foundation); FG 209 (President's Science Advisory Committee); FG 221-18 (Space Task Group); FG 250 (President's Advisory Council on Executive Organization); HE (Health); OS (Outer Space); and NR (Natural Resources). Other related materials are in WHCF, SMOF, Charles L. Clapp; WHCF, SMOF, President's Advisory Council on Executive Organization; WHCF, SMOF, Press Release Office Files; Record Group 220, Records of Temporary Committees, Commissions and Boards [Cabinet Task Force on Oil Import Controls]; and William M. Magruder's exit interview in the Oral History Project files. Attached as appendices to this finding aid are press releases concerning DuBridge's resignation and David's nomination to replace him; a list of OST personnel; a statement concerning the history, purpose and structure of the OST with an attached chart depicting the White House science structure; a description of the President's Science Advisory Committee; a memo, dated December 7, 1971, concerning program manager responsibilities, including as attachment 2 of the "New Technology" file index; and a memo dated December 9, 1971 regarding a proposed initiative in basic science.
- Acquisition information:
- These materials are in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration under the provisions of Title I of the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-526, 88 Stat. 1695) and implementing regulations.
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Prepared:
- 1969-1974
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Collection is open for research. Some materials may be unavailable based upon categories of materials exempt from public release established in the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974.
- Terms of access:
-
Most government records are in the public domain; however, this series includes commercial materials, such as newspaper clippings, that may be subject to copyright restrictions. Researchers should contact the copyright holder for information.
- Preferred citation:
-
Edward E. David Papers, White House Central Files, 1969-1974. Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- Location of this collection:
-
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.Yorba Linda, CA 92886, US
- Contact:
- (714) 983-9120