The Human Genome Project burst upon the scene in the 1985. Since then, it has been a major topic of debate among life scientists. The Genome Project is often touted as the first foray into Big Biology -- a biological equivalent to the Apollo and Manhattan Projects. While much of this is mere hyperbole, proposing to examine human genetics at the cellular, organismal, and population levels is nonetheless audacious. The specific components of genome projects -- genetic maps, physical maps, DNA sequence information, and tools to produce and analyze these -- will be useful for the future study of human biology and pathology. The techniques and instruments will be applicable to the study of all organisms. The debate about genome projects has had the feel of historical importance since its inception. Those arguing for and against it, but particularly the proponents, have self-consciously placed the Project in a prominent position among the landmarks of biology. Whether it belongs in this pantheon remains to be seen, but the quality and intensity of debate and the extraordinary power and character of the advocates makes the Human Genome Project a wonderful case study in how a scientific project is placed on the national agenda, and what transpires once it is there. The Genome Project is thus and ideal opportunity to document the life sciences in transition from pure cottage industry to a mix of Big and little science. If the Project proves as important as some believe it will, then document its early history will be of immense interest to future historians, sociologists, philosophers, and political scientists, not to mention medical doctors and scientists. If the Project fails to meet expectations, then it will be a conspicuous failure and its early history will still be of great interest. Dr. Cook-Deegan, former Executive Director of the Biomedical Ethics Advisory Committee, along with Doris Goldstein, Director, and Anita Nolen, Archivist, of the Kennedy Institute Library of Georgetown University, will assemble a comprehensive bibliography and create an oral history resource focused on the early history of the Genome Project. Because of the evanescence of documentation and memory of the individuals involved, it is essential to move quickly now.
