Stephen Hawking, one of the most renowned scientists of the 20th and 21st centuries, has left behind a treasure trove of papers and mementos in his archive. The collection, housed at Cambridge University Library, contains not only his scientific papers but also personal correspondence and memorabilia that offer a unique glimpse into his life and career.
The archive spans over 113 boxes and includes tens of thousands of pages of papers related to Hawking’s work on theoretical physics, early drafts of his bestselling book “A Brief History of Time,” as well as photographs and scripts from films and TV series like The Simpsons, The X Files, and Futurama. Additionally, the collection features souvenirs from his encounters with Popes, Presidents, and the public.
The archive also contains touching personal letters to and from Hawking’s parents and wider family, including one of the first dictated using his famous communication system acquired after his tracheostomy in 1986.
A recent publication by the Science Museum Group Journal features a paper on Hawking’s papers by Dr. Katrina Dean, Keeper of Archives and Modern Manuscripts, and Hawking Archivist Susan Gordon. The journal includes other papers from experts at the Science Museum exploring one of the most significant scientific acquisitions in recent history.
The archive has also revealed Hawking’s commitment to social causes, including nuclear disarmament, disability rights, and advocating for colleagues trapped behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War.
As part of his efforts to make a difference, Hawking was an active campaigner, sending letters to officials at The Royal Society, The Royal Opera House, and Cambridge Arts Theatre, demanding better disabled access to their buildings. He also expressed concerns about the threat of nuclear war and worked to preserve human rights and freedom of movement for colleagues in the Soviet Union.
The archive is now available online, offering a unique opportunity for future generations of scientists and researchers to learn from Hawking’s work and legacy.
Source: https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/hawking-archive-for-all