RG XXI: Academy Committee for the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and Hebrew University of Jerusalem Joint Committee for a Symposium on Arid Zone Development

Historical Note

The Academy Committee for the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and Hebrew University of Jerusalem Joint Committee for a Symposium on Arid Zone Development (early var. Committee on the Middle East Research Institute; and Middle East Study Group) was officially active from 1974-1976. However, early efforts began in late 1967 with an ad hoc Committee on the Middle East Research Institute (variously referred to as the Middle East Study Group) proposed by Jacob Fine and chaired by Nadav Safran. The initial purpose of the group was to discuss the proposal for the establishment of a scientific research institution in the Middle East for a purpose to be determined. In 1970 this focused on the discussion of an Institute for Research in Arid Lands, potentially in Iran. However, funds were never procured. 

In 1974 the Hebrew University partnered with the Academy to develop a symposium on Arid Zone Development, coinciding with their 50th anniversary. The Symposium was held October 23-25, 1975 at the University. Norman C. Dahl was Chair, with David H.K. Amiran Chair for the respective Hebrew University Committee. Papers were presented and revised in a volume, Arid Zone Development: Potentialities and Problems, edited by Yair Mundla and Fred Singer, and published by Ballinger Publishing Company in 1977.

Name Variations

The name of the project evolved throughout its tenure:

Committee on the Middle East Research Institute (1967-1970)
Middle East Study Group (1970-1974)
Academy Committee for the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and Hebrew University of Jerusalem Joint Committee for a Symposium on Arid Zone Development (1974-1976)

Scope and Content

The series is contained within the Academy Archives’ Record Group XXI: Academy Projects and Programs. It contains the administrative and project records of the Academy relating to the Committee, from 1967-1979, nd. The majority of the records were created or received from 1968-1975 by the Executive Office of the Academy, with a significant contribution from Jacob Fine. Records primarily include correspondence and minutes of the committee, with planning material for the eventual conference. Some correspondence exists between the Academy and representatives of the Iranian Ministry of Science and Education, however the greater portion is with representatives of the Hebrew University's Authority of Research and Development. Of particular note are photographs and contact sheets of the conference, along with transcripts.

Arrangement

Processing for this series utilized MPLP principles, thus minimum preservation steps were taken, and folder titles listed in the finding aid are as they appear on the actual folders. Records were held by the Executive Office of John Voss. Some files were kept out of the filing scheme and have been interfiled where appropriate. 

This series is arranged into 2 subseries: Subseries 1: Early Work; and Subseries 2: Hebrew University.

Subseries 1: Early Work is divided into two sub-subseries: Sub-subseries 1.1: Middle East Study Group; and Sub-subseries 1.2: Iran. 

Subseries 2: Hebrew University is also divided into two sub-subseries: Sub-subseries 2.1 Administration; and Sub-subseries 2.2: Conference and Publication.

Volume

3 records center cartons (3 linear feet)

Preferred Citation

[Item title, date]. Record Group XXI: Academy Projects – Middle East Study Group /  Academy Committee for the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and Hebrew University of Jerusalem Joint Committee for a Symposium on Arid Zone Development, 1967-1979, nd, 1987. Archives, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Subjects

Amiran, David H. K., 1910-
Dahl, Norman C.
Fine, Jacob, 1900-
Mundla, Yair
Safran, Nadav
Singer, Fred
Universiṭah ha-ʻIvrit bi-Yerushalayim
Arid regions
Arid regions agriculture--Israel
Science--International cooperation
Water resources development--Israel
Jerusalem