Interview of Helen Gerasimou by Brian Shoemaker

Abstract

Helen Gerisamou’s first government job was working at the Pentagon as a secretary in the Ordinance Section of the Department of the Army. She was later promoted to the Department of Defense, then the War Assets Administration. Once this department was disbanded, Gerisamou became the secretary to Mr. H.G. Lombard, a patent attorney in Washington, D.C. At the onset of the Korean War Mr. Lombard was called into service, therefore leaving Mrs. Gerisamou without work once more. She applied for a position with the National Science Foundation and remained with them from June 1954 through her retirement in December of 1979. During her time at the NSF, Mrs. Gerisamou was assigned to Tom Jones in the Office of Polar Programs, beginning in 1959. She stayed with this department for twenty years. Mrs. Gerisamou took dictation from the men who had traveled to the Antarctic, including George Toney, Bill Smith, Ken Moulton, Harry Francis, and Mort Turner. Gerisamou’s involvement with the US El Tanin and its crew is discussed. Dr. Bert Crary’s incident on a break-off ice flow is described. The National Science Foundation Orientation Program for Polar at Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park is discussed. The relocation(s) of the Office of Polar Programs is described in detail. Geology field camps and various international polar stations and their resident scientists are described. Upon Tom Jones’ advancement to administration, Gerisamou was assigned to Joe Fletcher. Fletcher was an active field scientist and during Gerisamou’s time with him established Fletcher Island and made visits to all of the Antarctic stations. After Fletcher, Bob Rutford took over the position, followed by Ed Todd. Gerisamou’s working interaction with all of these men is discussed.

Major Topics National Science Foundation Establishment and history of the Office of Polar Programs Working relationships between Mrs. Gerisamou and various Polar Program administrators Equipment and supplies needed for Antarctic and Arctic travel and exploration Policy changes in the Office of Polar Programs