Samuel Massie (Finding Aid)

Samuel Massie

1919 - 2005

Favorite Color: Navy

Favorite Food: Watermelon and Chicken

Interview Length: 70 minutes

Interview Date(s): July 19, 2003

Interview Location(s): Laurel, Maryland

Abstract

Samuel Massie, with the help of his son, Trei Massie, describes his family background, recalling his ancestors from Texas, Arkansas, and Kentucky. He describes his childhood growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, where his parents, both teachers, taught him the value of education at an early age. Massie talks about going to school as a child prodigy, graduating from high school at age thirteen. Massie describes his school life and various odd jobs he held while he was in high school. Samuel Massie, with the help of his son, Trei Massie, describes his higher education, discussing his time at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Fisk University, and Iowa State University. Massie describes working on the Manhattan Project, while he was a student at Iowa State. He also discusses being hired by the Eastman Kodak Company, becoming one of the first five African Americans to work there. Samuel Massie, with the help of his son, Trei Massie, discusses his long, varied career and his many awards and accomplishments. Massie talks about his time as president of North Carolina Central University and his long professorship at the U.S. Naval Academy, during which time he became the first African American to be chair of a chemistry department. Massie also discusses the many honorary positions that have been named for him. Samuel Massie, with the assistance of his son, Trei Massie, narrates a series of pictures depicting his life and family.

34 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)