Scope and Content Note
The papers of Ernest Wilson Peterkin (1920-1995) span the years 1946-1992, but are concentrated in the year 1946 and consist of correspondence, a journal, a photoreproduction of a sketchbook, a notebook, writings, orders, commendations, and miscellany. The material relates to Operation Crossroads, the first nuclear testing by the United States after World War II, conducted on Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, July 1946. Peterkin was a member of the scientific group that photographed the two atomic blasts.
The collection includes Peterkin's personal log of the event and a description of the atomic blasts. Drawings and illustrations of the experiment by Peterkin, who was a professionally trained artist and illustrator, have been transferred to the Prints and Photographs Division. The notebook and sketchbook focus on the human experience of the nuclear test. The United States Navy, which controlled and monitored the demonstration, sought information regarding ship damage from atomic blasts and requested suggestions from engineers at the site to improve ship design. Peterkin responded with designs for an advanced cruiser and destroyer which are also in the Prints and Photographs Division.