A Guide to the George Washington National Forest Oral Histories, 1994 SdArch 6

A Guide to the George Washington National Forest Oral Histories, 1994 SdArch 6


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James Madison University Libraries Special Collections

880 Madison Drive
MSC 1704
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Telephone: (540) 568-3612
library-special@jmu.edu
URL: https://www.lib.jmu.edu/special/

JMU Libraries cataloging staff

Repository
James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
Identification
SdArch 6
Title
George Washington National Forest oral histories 1994
Quantity
0.2 cubic feet, 3 folders, 6 audiocassettes, 8 cds
source
Pisciotta, Dominic
Language
English .
Abstract
The George Washington National Forest Oral History Collection, 1994, is comprised of audio recordings and transcripts documenting interviews conducted by a JMU student intern with Jacob Kagey and Earnest Dickerman, employees of George Washington National Forest National Park, on the topics of botanical and wilderness history.

Administrative Information

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Access Restrictions

Access to the Oral Histories is governed by agreements with the narrators. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], George Washington National Forest Oral Histories, 1994, SdArch 6, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Dominic Pisciotta, March 7, 1995.

Processing Information

The original accession included six video cassettes of interview with Ernest Dickerman, 2 audiocassette tapes for transction, 2 regular cassette interview tapes, and three audiocassettes. The videocassettes were not found at the time of inventory in 2019. There are two additional preservation cds of SdArch 6-2d that were noted as blank and corrupted, and not included in this finding aid.


Bio/Historical Note

Dominic Pisciotta was a senior at James Madison University, conducted these interviews in fulfillment of a JMU student internship, during the fall of 1994. The project was funded in part by the U.S. Forest Service.

Scope and Content

George Washington National Forest Oral Histories, 1994, is comprised of audio recordings and transcripts documenting interviews conducted by a JMU student intern with Jacob Kagey and Earnest Dickerman, employees of George Washington National Forest National Park, on the topics of botanical and wilderness history.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Botany -- George Washington National Forest (Va. and W. Va.)
  • Forest management -- George Washington National Forest (Va. and W. Va.)
  • Forest reserves -- George Washington National Forest (Va. and W. Va.)
  • National parks and reserves -- Virginia
  • Pisciotta, Dominic
  • Sierra Club
  • Trees -- Diseases and pests
  • United States (Title of work: Wilderness Act.)
  • Wilderness Society (U.S.)
  • Wildlife conservationists -- Virginia
  • Wildlife management -- George Washington National Forest (Va. and W. Va.)
  • Zoology -- George Washington National Forest (Va. and W. Va.)

Significant Persons Associated With the Collection

  • Dickerman, Ernest M. (Ernest Miller), 1910-1998
  • Kagey, Jacob Daniel, 1922-2010
  • Pisciotta, Dominic

Container List

Mixed Materials [1000898332] box: 1 folder: 1 6-1
Oral History Project proposal, Pisciotta
September 14, 1994
Scope and Contents

Background research paper describing the purpose of the oral history project on "the diverse biology of the George Washington National Forest and the efforts to preserve . . . [its] forest and wilderness areas." Also includes historical perspective on "The American wilderness movement" and "A biological synopsis of the George Washington National Forest."

Mixed Materials Digital-Materials: SdArch6-SET-001 6-2
Jacob Kagey interviewed by Dominic Pisciotta
Kagey, Jacob Daniel, 1922-2010Pisciotta, DominicSeptember 16, 22, 1994
Scope and Contents

These interviews record the recollections of Mr. Jacob Kagey, retired cabinetmaker and naturalist/flora expert, one of two individuals interviewed for an oral history project, the purpose of which was to "make an historical record of the diverse biology of the George Washington National Forest and the efforts to preserve . . . [its] forest and wilderness areas." Records Mr. Kagey's interests and vast knowledge of George Washington National Forest flora including information, some previously undocumented, on native, prolific and rare plants: Mentions early interest in trees and flowers, hiking partners and the Appalachian Trail Club. Describes in detail various flora and their locations in the area, primarily in Rockingham and Augusta Counties. Specifically mentions various species of orchids, ferns, lady slippers, trillium, shale barren plants, star flowers and oak trees. Talks about approach to finding plants, contacts with other local experts/botanists and discoveries which have been recorded in "The atlas of the Virginia flora." Mentions invasive plants and other environmental factors impacting flora. Recorded at the home of Mr. Jacob Kagey of Bridgewater, Va. on Sept. 16 and Sept. 22, 1994.

Access Restrictions

Oral history is open for research.

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests have been transferred to Carrier Library.

  • Mixed Materials [1000898332] box: 1 folder: 2
    Transcript and Supplemental Documents
    September 16, 22, 1994
  • Maps
    1967-1985
    • Mixed Materials [1000897720] Flat File: 1
      Deerfield Quadrangle, map #1
      1967-1985
    • Mixed Materials [1000897720] Flat File: 1
      Edinburg Quadrangle, map #2
      1980
    • Mixed Materials [1000897720] Flat File: 1
      Elliott Knob Quadrangle, map #3
      1967-1978
    • Mixed Materials [1000897720] Flat File: 1
      Rawley Springs Quadrangle, map #4
      1967
    • Mixed Materials [1000897720] Flat File: 1
      Reddish Knob Quadrangle, map #5
      1980
Mixed Materials Digital-Materials: SdArch6-SET-001 6-3
Earnest Dickerman interviewed by Dominic Pisciotta
Dickerman, Ernest M. (Ernest Miller), 1910-1998Pisciotta, DominicOctober 11, 19, 1994
Scope and Contents

These interviews record the recollections of Mr. Ernest M. Dickerman, retired wildlife conservationist and lobbyist for the Wilderness Society. One of two individuals interviewed for an oral history project, the purpose of which was to "make an historical record of the diverse biology of the George Washington National Forest and the efforts to preserve . . . [its] forest and wilderness areas." Records Mr. Dickerman's interests and knowledge of the American wilderness movement and efforts to secure wilderness areas throughout the Eastern United States. Includes information about the founding of the Wilderness Society, details concerning the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the National Wilderness Preservation System, along with many facts surrounding Eastern wilderness areas. Provides insight into his job while a lobbyist in Congress; travels to inform and gain support; testifying at hearings; and relations with various land management agencies. Relates early histories and conflicts with timber and mining industries; the Sierra Club; and the U.S. Forest Service.

Access Restrictions

Oral history is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Copyright interests have been transferred to Carrier Library.

  • Mixed Materials [1000898332] box: 1 folder: 3
    Transcript and Supplemental Documents
    October 11, 19, 1994
  • Moving Images [1000897674] box: Media 1
    Unprocessed VHS and U-Matic Videotapes
    Access Restrictions

    Original AV is unavailable pending reformatting.