Recent gifts from the Frederick Reines family, including his medal for the 1995 Nobel Prize in Physics, have added depth and breadth to Reines’ papers, enhancing one of the most important archives in the UCI Libraries.

When Sylvia Reines passed away in fall 2006, a substantial monetary gift to benefit Special Collections and Archives was among her generous bequests to UCI. Mrs. Reines was deeply involved in campus activities during four decades at UCI and was a dear friend to many in our community.

Sylvia and Fred Reines, 1950s

In addition, the Reines’ two children, Robert Reines and Lisa Reines Cowden, have added the rest of Reines’ papers and significant memorabilia to their father’s papers. Reines’ original Nobel Medal is a highlight, accompanied by the beautiful hand-calligraphed certificate that constitutes the official record of the prize. Among many other items donated are materials associated with his years at the Los Alamos National Laboratories as a member of the Manhattan Project team during World War II, photographs of their parents during the 1940s and 1950s, and a journal that Reines began at the age of 16 that clearly shows his emerging passion for science.

Jackie Dooley, Head of Special Collections and Archives, recently conducted an oral history interview with Robert and Lisa in New Mexico. They reminisced about growing up in the high-security town of Los Alamos, where both were born in the immediate post-war era, describing it as idyllic for children. “The Reines’ two children have added the rest of Reines’ papers and significant memorabilia to their father’s papers.”A very early memory for Robert is of “frequent trips around the block where we... would get lectures in physics.” Nobel Laureate Hans Bethe was one of their eminent babysitters. Around the house, they typically had to keep playtime noise to a minimum because “Your father is thinking.” Lisa speaks of her mother with the deepest admiration and noted that “it was Sylvia that got Fred out of the weapons business,” leading to the freedom to pursue the elusive neutrino.

Numerous other stories complete this fascinating interview, available for consultation in the Annis Reading Room, Special Collections and Archives (Langson Library 525), where the Frederick Reines Papers are open for research. For further information, please contact Jackie Dooley at jmdooley@uci.edu or 949.824.4935.