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University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library

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1150 Beal Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113, USA
bentley.ref@umich.edu

David M. Dennison papers, 1884-1989 (majority within 1926-1976)

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Restrictions:
The collection is open to research. The collection contains audio tapes from which digital copies have been made. Source tapes are for staff use only. Audio files are only available in the...

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Summary

Creator:
Dennison, David M.
Abstract:
Papers of David M. Dennison, professor of physics at the University of Michigan; contain lecture notes and exam materials, correspondence, speeches, files relating to research in theoretical physics, University of Michigan and travel files.
Extent:
8 linear feet
Language:
English
Call Number:
85132 Aa 2
Authors:
Finding aid created by Michigan Historical Collections Staff and Shae Rafferty in September 2013

Background

Scope and Content:

The David M. Dennison Papers contain both the personal correspondence of the Dennison family and items relating to David M. Dennison's research and teaching while at the University of Michigan.

The first part of the collection is correspondence from 1894-1896 from James Lutheran Dennison and his wife to their son Walter Dennison, the father of David M. Dennison. One folder contains correspondence from George Dennison and his wife Nina to his brother Walter Dennison also from the 1890s.

Biographical and personal materials for David M Dennison are comprised of letters from David M. Dennison and his wife, Helen Lenette Johnson, memorial materials from David's death, home finances, and travel information. Family documents in this collection are comprised mostly of his son Edwin's Ph.D. research at the University of Michigan. Dennison's papers include various speeches, articles, and other writings about the physics he was studying, primarily focused on the later part of Dennison's time at the University. Materials from the University of Michigan include lecture notes and exams from the many physics classes Dennison taught. Documents relating to administration of the physics department and David's colleagues are also a part of this collection. Of note is David and Helen's correspondence and connection to the Niels Bohr Institute.

Audio-visual materials in the collection include photographs of David and Helen from the early 1900s through the 1970s. There are also two cassette tapes with recording of talks given by David, as well as photograph negatives and spectroscopic plates, lantern slides depicting astronomical images pertaining to his astro-physics research.

Biographical / Historical:

David Mathias Dennison was born in Oberlin, Ohio, in 1900 to Walter Dennison and Anna L. Green. He attended Swarthmore College and graduated with a BA in 1921 before starting graduate work at the University of Michigan. In 1924 Dennison received his Ph. D. from Michigan, married his wife Helen Lenette Johnson, and began a three-year study of physics in Europe. While studying at Cambridge, Dennison began theoretical work on the heat and temperature of hydrogen with his experiments yielding some of the first quantitative evidence for nuclear spin.

After returning to the United States in 1927 Dennison joined the University of Michigan's Physics Department as part of a number of new hires with a background in theoretical physics; he was made a full professor in 1935. While working at Michigan, Dennison began to diversify his interest in physics making important discoveries about microwave spectroscopy, and the stability of particle orbits in the racetrack synchrotron. His work on the performance of the radio proximity fuse during World War II earned him a Certificate for Exceptional Service from the United States Navy. In addition Dennison helped organize and participated in international symposia of physicists held during the summer at the University of Michigan from 1929 to 1940.

During his 44 years at the University of Michigan Dennison earned many honors. In 1952 he was selected as the Henry Russel Lecturer, a high honor bestowed on senior faculty, he received a distinguished faculty award in 1962, and was appointed the Harrison M. Randall Distinguished Faculty Professor in 1966. Dennison retired in 1971. His important contributions to science and his dedication to the University of Michigan lead to the renaming of the Physics-Astronomy Building on the university campus to the David M. Dennison Building following his death in 1976.

Acquisition Information:
Donated in multiple installments by Mrs. Helen Dennison (donor no. 5254 ) between 1972 and 1981 and by Sam Dennison (donor no. 10967 ) in July 2013.
Processing information:

Digitization: The Library has undertaken the digitization of a number of sound recordings within this collection. The resulting audio files are available for playback only in the Bentley Library Reading Room. Links to item images and additional information are available within this finding aid. Original sound recordings are only available for staff use.

In preparing digital material for long-term preservation and access, the Bentley Historical Library adheres to professional best practices and standards to ensure that content will retain its authenticity and integrity. For more information on procedures for the ingest and processing of digital materials, please see Bentley Historical Library Digital Processing Note. Access to digital material may be provided either as a direct link to an individual file or as a downloadable package of files bundled in a zip file.

Rules or Conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Contents

Using These Materials

Info for Visitors

How to Request

Ordering Reproductions

Download PDF Finding Aid
RESTRICTIONS:

The collection is open to research.

The collection contains audio tapes from which digital copies have been made. Source tapes are for staff use only. Audio files are only available in the Bentley Historical Library reading room on designated Bentley Library computers.

USE & PERMISSIONS:

Donor(s) have transferred any applicable copyright to the Regents of the University of Michigan but the collection may contain third-party materials for which copyright was not transferred. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[item], folder, box, David M. Dennison Papers, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

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Collection

David M. Dennison papers, 1884-1989 (majority within 1926-1976)
Call Number 85132 Aa 2
Total components 191
Items available online Online 4
Last indexed 2023-12-08