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Cushman's Legacy
Memorials
Several obituaries and memorials were published following Joseph Cushman's death in 1949.
- The Sharon Laboratory staff provided this memorial to the Harvard Notes.
- Joseph Cushman's obituary in the Sharon Transcript.
- Joseph Cushman's death notice in the Mason's newsletter.
- Miscellaneous newspaper clippings reporting Cushman's death.
- Ruth Todd's Cushman memorial for Harvard Class Notes.
Dr. Cushman's Gift to the Smithsonian
Joseph Cushman greatly appreciated his connection to the Smithsonian. Upon his death, Joseph Cushman bequeathed his entire collection and library to the Smithsonian Institution, stipulating that it be kept intact and added to over time. Today Cushman's Collection has grown to be the largest of its kind and it is visited by scholars from all over the world.
- The Department of the Interior Press Release announcing Cushman's gift to the Smithsonian.
- A Washington Post clipping from 1950 reporting on the Cushman gift to the museum.
- An excerpt from Joseph Cushman's will outlining his gift to the museum.
Dr. Cushman's Legacy
Joseph Cushman's legacy began when he concluded that the classification of foraminifera was in need of a closer look. His life's work transformed the study of foraminifera and led to the development of new techniques in oil exploration which revolutionized an entire industry. Joseph Cushman's legacy is alive today and is evident in the work of the Cushman Foundation.