Charles Sears Oral History Interview

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Charles Sears Oral History Interview, Ms1988-027, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Sears, Charles, d. 1998 and Straw, John B.
Abstract:
Audiocassette tape contains an oral history interview with Virginia Tech Professor Charles Sears, conducted by John Straw, University Archivist. Sears discusses the history of the Virginia Tech Geology Department (today the Department of Geosciences), where he served as a professor and founded the Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Charles Sears Oral History Interview, Ms1988-027, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The Charles Sears Oral History Interview consists of a single audiocassette containing an interview of Sears performed by University Archivist John Straw. The interview, approximately 55 minutes in length, focuses on Sears' experiences as a student at Virginia Tech in the late 1920s / early 1930s and as a professor in the Geology Department from the 1930s to the 1970s. The interview discusses Sears general student experiences as well as experiences specific to his major; the development and personnel of the Geology Department;, and the work of the Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory.

Biographical / historical:

Charles E. Sears Jr. was born February 3, 1911. He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a degree in mining geology and obtained his master's at VPI in 1935. Three years later, Sears was hired as acting head of mining engineering at his alma mater. In 1942, he was called to active military duty. Sears returned to VPI in 1946 and from 1950 to 1952 attended the Colorado School of Mines, from which he earned a doctoral degree. In addition to instruction and research, he founded and served as director of the Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory. Charles Sears retired from Virginia Tech in 1977 and died on July 8, 1998.

Acquisition information:
The Charles Sears Oral History Interview was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 1988.
Processing information:

The processing and description of this collection commenced and was completed in April 2021.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard