8 smithsonian miscellaneous collections vol. io7 



Ethnographic Board 



With three anthropological area committees already operating in 

 the National Research Council, and a fourth on Japan, China, and 

 India contemplated, the idea of over-all coordination, first proposed 

 by the Oceania group, was again brought forth. Carl E. Guthe, vice 

 chairman of the Division of Anthropology and Psychology, called an 

 organizational conference to consider the formation of an "Ethno- 

 graphic Board." This body was to consist only of anthropologists and 

 be located at the National Research Council. It was to act as an over- 

 all organization for the regional subcommittees, so as to systematize 

 procedures and prevent unnecessary duplication of records and efforts. 

 It was also to serve as a clearinghouse for inquiries upon ethnographic 

 subjects referred to the Council. 



The organizational meeting was held in March 1942 and was at- 

 tended by nine anthropologists, including the chairmen of the estab- 

 lished area committees. The functions of an Ethnographic Board 

 were discussed at length, and there seemed little doubt that activity 

 would not be wanting. Three important requirements were faced. 

 First, the need for adequate financing, preferably from a non-Federal 

 source. Second, the need for an executive secretary who would es- 

 tablish the necessary connections in Washington in order that the 

 work of the Ethnographic Board would not be confined to the four 

 walls of the Council. Third, the need for integrating the activities of 

 the three Councils, since anthropology is represented in each. William 

 Duncan Strong was recommended for Executive Secretary, and Carl 

 E. Guthe was elected Chairman. They became, later, the Director and 

 Chairman, respectively, of the Ethnogeographic Board. 



The Ethnographic Board was duly appointed by the National Re- 

 search Council but never functioned because of that all-important 

 question of financing. Getting funds from foundations needs backing. 

 Two Councils are better than one, and three are better than two, at 

 least, it was so reasoned at the organizational meeting. Since the Di- 

 rectors of the three Councils were accustomed to meet informally from 

 time to time, it was decided to discuss the monetary problem with 

 them. But three Councils also have bigger ideas than one, so, as can 

 be anticipated, ethnography (the study of peoples) was laid on the 

 flaming altar and ethnogeography (peoples plus land) emerged from 

 its ashes. However, one other organization must first be considered 

 before the history goes on, since it furnished the fuel for the burning 

 flames. 



