Paul Richard Halmos (1916-2006) is known for his work in operator theory, ergodic theory, and functional analysis, as well as his mathematical exposition and his teaching style. His major teaching appointments were with the University of Chicago (1946-1960), the University of Michigan (1961-1967), Indiana University (1969-1985), and Santa Clara University (1985-1996). Halmos died October 2, 2006.
Collection consists of source materials for the making of the documentary film. Material includes original film footage of interviews with Halmos and other mathematicians, external hard drive containing digitized photographs, film timelines, sound mix and art work for the project.
The 44-minute documentary, entitled “I Want to Be a Mathematician: A Conversation with Paul Halmos,” includes interviews with Halmos and other mathematicians, including Peter Renz, Robert Bekes, David Eisenbud, Jean Pedersen, and Donald Sarason. The project was funded and donated by the Educational Advancement Foundation and the Mathematical Association of America.
Forms part of the Archives of American Mathematics
Footage may only be viewed using Apple Macintosh computers and QuickTime. The Briscoe Center does not currently have appropriate equipment to view the Betacam tapes.
Copyright belongs to the Educational Advancement Foundation and the Mathematical Association of America
Halmos (P. R.) Documentary Film Source Materials Collection, 1999, 2008, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
This collection was processed by Carol Mead, April 2010.