History and Archives

The Leon M. Lederman Collection contains the multi-media records of the history (1922 - present) and administration (1978-89) of the second Director of Fermilab. Lederman's experiences are linked with his long-term affiliation with Columbia University and New York City. His early award-winning research in high-energy physics brought him into national science policy circles and in 1963 he proposed the idea that became the National Accelerator Laboratory. In 1977 Lederman led the team that discovered the bottom quark at Fermilab. The following year he was named Director and his administration brought Fermilab into its position of scientific prominence by 1983 with the achievement of the world's most powerful superconducting accelerator, the Tevatron. In 1988 Lederman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

During his term as Director, Lederman emphasized the importance of math and science education as outreach to the neighboring communities. He then initiated the Saturday Morning Physics lectures and subsequently founded the Friends of Fermilab, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, and the Teacher's Academy for Mathematics and Science.

Leon M. Lederman Content

• Spokesman Leon Lederman (an unauthorized autobiography), Summer 1977
• Leon Lederman Named Next Fermilab Director, October 26, 1978
• Employees Hear Lederman Appointment, October 26, 1978
• Director-Designate Leon Lederman Acknowledged His Appointment Announcement with Introductory Remarks, October 26, 1978
• 1988 Nobel Prize for Physics
• Leon Lederman, Nobel Laureate, Former Laboratory Director and Passionate Advocate of Science Education, Dies at Age 96, October 3, 2018
• Summary of Leon M. Lederman's Career, Discoveries, and Awards
• Summary of Leon M. Lederman's Honorary Degrees and Awards
• Lederman Photo Album
• Quotes by Leon Lederman