Whitney Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Whitney Smith
PhD LF FF FFI FVAST
|
|
|---|---|
Smith in 2007
|
|
| Born | February 26, 1940 Arlington, Massachusetts, U.S.
|
| Died | November 17, 2016 (aged 76) Peabody, Massachusetts, U.S.
|
| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | US |
| Education | PhD in political science |
| Alma mater | Harvard University Boston University |
| Occupation | Vexillologist |
| Years active | 1961–2013 |
| Organization | The Flag Research Center |
| Known for |
|
|
Notable work
|
|
| Children | 2 sons |
Whitney Smith Jr. (born February 26, 1940 – died November 17, 2016) was an American expert who studied flags. He was known as a professional vexillologist. He even created the word vexillology, which means the deep study of all parts of flags. Whitney Smith also helped start many groups that focus on flags. He received high honors from the International Federation of Vexillological Associations.
Contents
Who Was Whitney Smith?
Whitney Smith Jr. was born on February 26, 1940. His parents were Mildred and Whitney Smith. When he was young, he lived in Lexington and Winchester, Massachusetts. His interest in flags began with memories of Patriots' Day and a special book called The Golden Encyclopedia he received in 1946.
Early Life and Education
Whitney Smith went to Harvard University. There, he studied political science, which is the study of how governments work. He earned his first degree in 1961. While at Harvard, Smith helped design the flag for the country of Guyana.
Later, he continued his studies at Boston University. He earned his doctorate degree in political science in 1964. For this degree, he wrote a long research paper about political symbols.
A Career in Flag Studies
Whitney Smith published his first article when he was just 18 years old. By 1960, he was already giving advice to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, a famous set of encyclopedias.
In 1961, Smith and his friend Gerhard Grahl started The Flag Bulletin. This was the first magazine in the world completely about flags. The next year, Smith opened The Flag Research Center at his home. He was the director, or leader, of this center.
.svg)
Founding Flag Organizations
Smith worked with Klaes Sierksma to organize the First International Congress of Vexillology in 1965. This was a big meeting for flag experts. They also helped create the International League of Vexillologists.
This league was later replaced by the International Federation of Vexillological Associations (FIAV). Smith became the vice-president of its first council in 1967. In 1969, he became the first Secretary-General of FIAV. This meant he was the main organizer for the group.
Smith also started the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA). This group focuses on flags in North America. He also founded the Flag Heritage Foundation. He continued to hold important roles in FIAV for many years.
Important Books and Honors
In 1970, Smith stopped teaching full-time at Boston University. By 1985, he had written 19 books about flags.
In 1991, FIAV gave him the honor of "Laureate of the Federation." This is a very special award. In 2001, he was also named a "Fellow of the Federation."
In 2006, he co-wrote a book called The American Flag: Two Centuries of Concord & Conflict.
In 2013, Whitney Smith gave his large collection of flag books and papers from The Flag Research Center to The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.
Whitney Smith passed away on November 17, 2016, at the age of 76. He died from health issues related to Alzheimer's disease.
See also
In Spanish: Whitney Smith para niños
