George Washington National Forest oral histories

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
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.

Oral history is open for research.

Oral history is open for research.

Original AV is unavailable pending reformatting.

Terms of access:

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).

The copyright interests have been transferred to Carrier Library.

Copyright interests have been transferred to Carrier Library.

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], George Washington National Forest Oral Histories, 1994, SdArch 0006, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Summary

Extent:
0.2 cubic feet 3 folders, 6 audiocassettes, 8 cds
Creator:
Pisciotta, Dominic
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.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], George Washington National Forest Oral Histories, 1994, SdArch 0006, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Background

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.

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."

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.

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

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.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard