Hatfield Marine Science Center Records, 1961-2005

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Hatfield Marine Science Center.
Title
Hatfield Marine Science Center Records
Dates
1961-2005 (inclusive)
Quantity
3.1 cubic feet, (The Hatfield Marine Science Center Records are housed in 4 cubic foot boxes, 1 oversize box, and 1 oversize drawer.)
Collection Number
RG 194
Summary
The records of the Hatfield Marine Science Center document the development and administration of the center, as well as its instructional and research functions.
Repository
Oregon State University Libraries, Special Collections and Archives Research Center
Special Collections and Archives Research Center
121 The Valley Library
Oregon State University
Corvallis OR
97331-4501
Telephone: 5417372075
Fax: 5417378674
scarc@oregonstate.edu
Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Established by Oregon State University in 1965 on Yaquina Bay in Newport, the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) was constructed on land donated by the Port of Newport and funded by grants from the Federal Economic Development Administration. The campaign to build HMSC was driven by three major forces at work in Newport during the 1960s. First, many saw the development of a marine research facility with a public education component as a draw for tourists in a stagnant coastal economy. Another motivating factor was the Department of Oceanography's need for dock and ship support facilities for the Acona research vessel. At the same time, the Yaquina Bay Oyster Laboratory, a research facility established earlier by the university, was looking to expand their operations.

The university's presence on Yaquina Bay dates from 1938, when Fisheries and Wildlife Department Professor Roland Dimick established the Yaquina Bay Oyster Laboratory. Starting out as a floathouse at Sally's Bend, the laboratory expanded into a small land facility where research on various forms of bay life, water quality, and bivalve aquaculture was conducted. From 1946 until 1952, OSC also managed a marine research station in conjunction with the University of Oregon and Portland State College in Charleston, Oregon.

Envisioned as a center for both research and instruction, HMSC began to offer classes in 1966 in the form of a summer courses in zoology and oceanography. Later on, coursework in the Fisheries and Wildlife Department and Biology Program were added to the list of offerings at HMSC. Dormitory housing for undergraduate students on the HMSC campus became available in 1972 with the opening of the Li House. In 1976, instruction at HMSC got a boost with the completion of a library facility and the establishment of a full-time librarian position funded by the university library. Although not part of the center's original mission, public education grew to become one of the most important components at HMSC. In 1966, OSU assigned the task of developing and managing educational programs at HMSC to Extension agent William Wick. Known later as the "Seatauqua" program, HMSC put together a number of tours, workshops, tank talks, and whalewatching opportunities designed to impart marine knowledge to the public.

As a research facility, HMSC hosts scientists from a number of federal and state agencies in addition to those from OSU. A federal presence at HMSC was established early on with the installation of the Environmental Protection Agency in 1966. Other federal research bodies represented at HMSC include: the Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Coastal Resources Research and Development Institute. At the state level, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has conducted research at HMSC since it's founding as well as Oregon Sea Grant. In 1989, HMSC became an OSU Experiment Station branch with the establishment of the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station.

In 1983, the Marine Science Center was officially re-named for Oregon Governor and Senator Mark Hatfield.

Directors of the Hatfield Marine Science Center have included John Byrne (1972-1977), Lavern Weber (1977-2002), and George Boehlert (2002-).

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Primarily consisting of correspondence, Series I documents the administration of HMSC covering topics such as policy and procedure development, space allocation, long range planning, physical plant management, research equipment needs, staffing, and interaction with organizations like the Oregon State System of Higher Education (OSSHE) Marine Sciences Commission. This series also includes brochures, grant proposals, and reports. In addition to annual reports, Series II includes a five-year review, Marine Science Extension Education Specialist field reports, a visitor fee and registration feasibility study, OSSHE Marine Sciences Commission reports, an operations plan, site investigation studies, fiscal status reports, and an essay on Extension Sea Grant history.

Series III consists of records generated by HMSC committees and is made up of correspondence, meeting minutes, agendas, and reports. Materials relating to instruction and the development of academic programs at HMSC constitute the focus of Series IV, which includes correspondence, course lists, grant proposals, mailing lists, publications, reports, and tour presentation notes.

Series V pertains to the construction, maintenance, and use of buildings and other structures at HMSC and includes correspondence, grant proposals, newspaper clippings, and reports. The newspaper clippings in Series VI document the development of HMSC, staff research and news, Yaquina Bay planning issues, public education programs, dedication ceremonies, and center funding. The articles are clipped primarily from the Newport News-Times, Oregonian, and Statesman Journal. Series VII relates to the planning and publicity of various HMSC dedications, anniversary celebrations, and other ceremonial events. In addition to a guestbook, this Series includes brochures, correspondence, flyers, newspaper clippings, press releases, and speeches.

The publications include newsletters, brochures, Extension Service circulars, a directory, flyers, studies, and a historical essay. In addition to general information about HMSC, the materials in Series VIII publicize workshops, seminars, and classes and include staff news and historical information.

Series IX is a reel-to-reel sound recording of the dedication ceremony of the Marine Science Center Instructional Building/Library. The two maps in Series X depict Yaquina Bay and geological and structural features in addition to the HMSC site. One of the maps is a depth survey study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the other is a hand drawn outline of the bay noting rock groin and possible fill areas.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

Hatfield Marine Science Center Records (RG 194), Oregon State University Archives, Corvallis, Oregon.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Organized into ten series: I. Correspondence; II. Reports; III. Committees; IV. Curriculum Development and Instruction; V. Buildings and Facilities; VI. Newspaper Clippings; VII. Special Events; VIII. Publications; IX. Sound Recording; and X. Maps.

Related Materials

Documentation relating to HMSC is also represented elsewhere in the holdings of the OSU Archives. Institutional records from administrative offices and academic programs pertaining to HMSC can be found in the following record groups: Sea Grant Program (RG 201), the President's Office (RG 13), Library (RG 9), Facilities Services (RG 193), Extension Service (RG 111), and the Research Office (RG 170). The Archives' collections also include the papers from HMSC faculty members William Wick, Bill Rogers, and William McNeil.

Images of HMSC, OSU research vessels, and faculty and staff can be found in several photographic collections, including: Hatfield Marine Science Center (P 254), Sea Grant (P 185), News and Communication Services (P 57), University Publications (P 94), and Harriet's Collection.

Film and videotape footage of events at HMSC and public education programs can be found in the following film/videotape collections: Hatfield Marine Science Center (P 254), Agricultural Communications (P 120), Experiment Station Communication (P 132), and News and Communication Services (P 57).

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series I:  Correspondence, 1962-1990Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
1
Bookstore
1976
1
Conferences/Workshops
1977-1979
Box
1
U.S.-USSR Symposium on Salmonids Ecosystems
1977-1979
1
Cooperative Institute for Marine Studies
Collaborative program with the National Marine Fisheries Service
1983
1
Fresh Water Supply and Sewage Service
1967-1972
1
General
1966-1990
1
Graduate Students
1977-1980
1
HMSC Historical Essay
1987
Box
1 4
Land Use Planning and Property Acquisition
apx 12x17 in.
1962-1977
1
Long Range Planning
1964-1983
1
Marine and Freshwater Biomedical Center
Research program funded by grants from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences
1977-1981
1
Marine Science Center Service Club
1981
1
Oregon State System of Higher Education (OSSHE) Marine Sciences Commission
1971-1983
1
Personnel/Staffing
Box
1
Director Search
1972-1976
1
General
1966-1977
1
HMSC Employee Lists and Phone Directories
1969-1986
1
Physical Plant
1967-1980
1
Policies and Procedures
1973-1977
1
President's Office
1972-1978
1
Public and Educational Programs
1968-1977
1
Renaming of the Marine Science Center
1983-1986
1
Research Equipment and Staff
1966-1976
1
Sea Grant Program
1971
1
Space Needs and Allocation
1965-1974
1
University of Oregon-Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
1965-1981

Series II:  Reports, 1961-2002Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
1
Analysis of Marine Science Center Expansion Options
1973
1
Annual Reports
3 folders
1977/78-2002
1
Background Information-OSU Marine Science Center
1976
1
Building Program-Marine Science Center Improvements
1968-1977
1
Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station Annual Reports
1998/99-2000/01
1
Field Reports-Marine Science Extension Education Specialist
1969-1971
1
Five-Year Review of the HMSC: 1994-1999
2 folders
2000
1
HMSC Status Report for Fiscal Years 1973-1974
Prepared for the Marine Science Center Advisory Committee.
1974
1
A Look at Extension Sea Grant History
1986
2
Marine Science Center Development: A 10-Year Projection
1972
2
Narrative Reports-Sea Grant/Marine Advisory Program
1966-1968
2
A National Broodstock Laboratory for Molluscan Shellfish at the Hatfield Marine Science Center
1993
2
Netarts Fisheries Laboratory-Plan of Operations
1970
2
Oceanography in Oregon: 1959-1968
OSU Department of Oceanography
1968
2
Operations Plan For HMSC
1965
2
Oregon State System of Higher Education (OSSHE) Marine Sciences Commission
1972-1976
2
Policy Statement and Budget Reports
1976-1977
2
Research Progress Reports
1966-1968
2
Site Investigation Reports
1961-1963
2
Visitor Register and User Fee Feasibility Studies
1972

Series III:  Committees, 1964-1977Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
2
Library Committee
1969-1974
2
Marine Science Center Review Committee (resident director search)
1973-1976
2
Marine Science Center Users' Council
1972-1977
2
Museum and Aquarium Committees
1964-1976
2
Sea Grant Coordinating Committee
1970-1971

Series IV:  Curriculum Development and Instruction, 1966-2002Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
2
Aquaculture Educational Program
1978
2
Course Listings
1966-2002
2
Course Materials-Marine Algae (Botany 480x)
1973-1981
2
General
1968-1979
2
Grant Proposal-Comprehensive Assistance to Undergraduate Science Education
1976
2
Grant Proposal-Enhancement of Marine Science Training Programs
1976
2
Internship Program
1977-1980
2
Marine Fisheries Curriculum
1979
2
Tour Presentation Notes
undated
2
Undergraduate Program in Marine Sciences at the OSU Marine Science Center
Report
undated

Series V:  Buildings and Facilities, 1965-1996Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
2
Aquarium/Museum Display
1965-1990
2
Dormitory/Student Housing
1965-1973
2
General
1970-1975
2
Library/Instruction Building
1972-1975
2
Marine Research Laboratory-Fish Commission of Oregon
1971
2
Meeting/Dining Building (Self Service Kitchen/Dining/Study)
1974-1976
2
Newport Research Support Facility and Aquaculture Laboratory
1977-1983
2
Public Wing Construction
Digital images of the construction process printed on paper
1996
2
Sea Water Supply Facility
1968-1975
2
Ship Operations Live Storage Building
1983
2
South Jetty Data Transmission System
1970-1976
2
Yaquina Head Lighthouse Property
1973-1979

Series VI:  Newspaper Clippings, 1961-1997Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
2
General
6 folders
1961-1972
3
General
2 folders
1973-1997
4
General
apx 12x17 in.
1962-1984

Series VII:  Special Events, 1961-2001Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Anniversary Celebrations
1974-1990
Box
3
10th Year Celebration
1974-1975
4
10th Year Celebration
apx 12x17 in.
1975
3
25th Year Open House
1989-1990
Dedication Ceremonies
1961-2001
Box
3
Acona Research Vessel Maiden Voyage
1961
3
Captain Barry Fisher Northwest Fisheries Science Center
2001
3
Cille Research Vessel Commission
1993
3
Marine Science Center
1965
3
Marine Science Center Instructional Building
1977-1978
3
Marine Science Center Library
1990
3
National Coastal Resources Research and Development Institute
1986
3
New Public Wing and Ship Operations Facilities
1997
3
Newport Aquaculture Laboratory/Research Support Facility
1981-1982
3
Yaquina Research Vessel Commission
1964
Box
3
Guestbook
1965-1971
3
Visitor Benchmark Celebrations
1971-1982

Series VIII:  Publications, 1965-2005Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
3
Astoria Seafoods Laboratory: The First 60 Years
Written by Pamela Rogers.
1998
3
Childrens' Programs Brochures
1980-2001
3
Crisis in Oregon Estuaries
Estuary Conservation and Development Committee-American Fisheries Society, William Wick (edit.)
1969
3
Course Announcements
1966-2002
3
The Data Processing Facility at the OSU Marine Science Center
1980
3
Extension Service/Marine Advisory Program
Various topics by William Wick, Donald Giles, A.W. Pritchard, and Lyndal Brixius.
undated
3
General Informational Brochures
2 folders
1965-2000
3
History of HMSC: 1988-2001, Volume II
Written by Pam Rogers.
2001
Newsletters
1974-2005
Box
3
Center News
Newsletter detailing the progress of the renovation and expansion of HMSC's public education facility and programs.
1994-1996
3
Friends of Hatfield Marine Science Center Newsletter
1991-1995
3
Lateral Lines Volunteer Newsletter
1987-1991
3
MicroNews
Short-lived newsletter publicizing the need for additional housing at HMSC.
1993-1995
3
Staff Newsletter
1974-2005
3
Staff Newsletter Indexes
1974-1999
Box
3
Oceanographic Fleet-Department of Oceanography OSU
ca. 1969
3
Oregon State University Fisheries and Wildlife Department Circulars
ca. 1968
3
Oregon State University Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center: 1965-1988 the First Two Decades
1988
3
Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center: A Celebration of the First 25 Years
1990
4
Posters
apx 12x17 in.
program information
1979-1985
3
Searching for Patterns in a Complex World: OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center
undated
3
Western Association of Marine Laboratories Directory
1994
3
Workshop and Seminar Announcements and Brochures
1975-2002

Series IX:  Sound Recording, 1978Return to Top

Container(s): Box 5

Dedication of Library/Instructional Building

Series X:  Maps, 1976 and undatedReturn to Top

Container(s): Map-case *

Yaquina Bay and Harbor Depth Survey Study, 1976 (Army Corps of Engineers); Handdrawn outline of Yaquina Bay, undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Aquariums, public--Oregon.
  • Fisheries--Research--Oregon.
  • Marine resources--Research--Oregon.
  • Marine sciences--Study and teaching (Higher)--Oregon.
  • Oceanographic research ships--Oregon.
  • Oceanographic research stations--Oregon.
  • Oceanography--Research--Oregon.
  • Tourism and city planning--Newport (Or.)

Corporate Names

  • Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station.
  • Hatfield Marine Science Center.
  • Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.
  • Oregon State University. College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences.
  • Oregon State System of Higher Education. Marine Sciences Commission.
  • Oregon State University. Netarts Fisheries Laboratory.
  • Oregon State University. Sea Grant College Program.

Geographical Names

  • Newport (Or.)
  • Yaquina Head (Or.)
  • Yaquina Bay (Or.)

Form or Genre Terms

  • Maps.
  • Sound recordings.

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Weber, Lavern J. (creator)