In 1948, the Arabian American Oil Company invited Donald Erdman of the United States National Museum to survey fishes, marine life and freshwater life in the Persian Gulf and part of the Red Sea. As part of the survey, Erdman collected almost 5,000 specimens for the museum. A report was due along with presentation remarks. These materials are his, what seems to be, unpublished address and report along with other notes.
Join us in transcribing these manuscripts and see how Erdman prepared to summarize the survey and his collecting activities which he had documented in his journal.
In 1948, the Arabian American Oil Company invited Donald Erdman of the United States National Museum to survey fishes, marine life and freshwater life in the Persian Gulf and part of the Red Sea. As part of the survey, Erdman collected almost 5,000 specimens for the museum. A report was due along with presentation remarks. These materials are his, what seems to be, unpublished address and report along with other notes.
Join us in transcribing these manuscripts and see how Erdman prepared to summarize the survey and his collecting activities which he had documented in his journal.
The Donald S. Erdman Papers, Smithsonian Institution Archives Record Unit 7428, document Erdman's field work in the Persian Gulf and Jiddah [also Jidda or Jeddah] on Red Sea in 1948 and also include a journal and account book; notes, lists, and collection data; and photographs, color slides, and negatives. The account book and journal contain sketches of fish. Erdman was invited by ARAMCO (Arabian American Oil Company) to aid in a fish survey of the Persian Gulf adjacent to Ras Tanura. During this trip, Erdman collected fish as well as other marine animals and plants for the National Museum of Natural History.