David Baker invited to speak at the New York Academy of Sciences

The Archives of the History of American Psychology (AHAP) will be in the spotlight on April 26 when Dr. David Baker makes a presentation to the Psychology Section of the New York Academy of Sciences from 5 to 7 p.m. at the academy’s New York City headquarters.

“Improving Memory and Recall: The Archives of the History of Psychology” is the title for the talk to be delivered by Baker, who is UA’s interim senior vice president and provost, and chief operating officer. He also is the Margaret Clark Morgan Director of the Archives of the History of American Psychology here on campus, and a professor of psychology.

In his presentation, Baker will introduce audience members to the holdings of the archives and explore how the materials contribute to a greater understanding of the human sciences.

The AHAP holdings are considerable. Founded on the UA campus in 1965, it now houses the papers of more than 740 psychologists, along with instruments — some more than a century old, and photographs and films.

Under Baker’s leadership, the AHAP has experienced some impressive milestones, including being the first archive in the nation accepted into the prestigious Smithsonian Institution Affiliations program in 2002.

The most recent milestone came in late February, when construction began on a new home for the archives — the Center for the History of Psychology — made possible with a $1.5 million donation from Dr. Nicholas and Mrs. Dorothy Cummings. By August, renovations will be complete on the lower lever and first floor of the former Roadway Express Records Building at 73 College St., on the north side of campus.

This first phase of the project will provide a gallery to display objects from the AHAP collection as well as a reading room, offices, administrative space and space for handling new acquisitions. Subsequent renovations will occur in stages, as funding becomes available.

“I am honored to be invited to share our work with members of the academy,” said Baker. “The Archives of the History of American Psychology is an incredibly rich cultural resource.”

About the New York Academy of Sciences

Founded in 1817, the New York Academy of Sciences has more than 24,000 members in 140 countries, including leaders in science, business, academia and government. For more information, visit the New York Academy of Sciences website.

Media contact: Laura M. Massie, 330-972-6476 or massie1@uakron.edu