Metal mold for casting discs and label, 1929. From the "80th Anniversary Salute to Vitaphone" exhibition.

In its effort to preserve the history of motion picture science and technology, the Academy’s Science and Technology Council is working collaboratively with Academy departments and various institutions to collect records and artifacts associated with Academy Award® nominees, winners and others who have made significant scientific and technical contributions to the industry. The Council’s collections are part of the extensive holdings of the Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library, which administers the collections.

Microphone from the Tech Art collection.

At present, the Council collects paper materials, records and/or their attendant information, as well as databases (information from all available sources). While it is not yet possible to house large numbers of artifacts or other non-paper materials at Academy facilities, the Academy's long-term goal is to create a select but comprehensive collection of notable artifacts. And with plans for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures currently under way, the Council is actively seeking information about available artifacts and artifact collections related to the science and technology of motion pictures.
In partnership with the Margaret Herrick Library, the Council also participates in the Academy’s Oral History Program to document the lives and experiences of various industry experts who have been deeply involved in the development of motion picture technology.

The Council periodically offers the public informative materials on various aspects of the science and technology of the motion pictures. One of its recent publications, Tech Art: The Photography of Vince Gonzales, is now available through the Academy’s publications page.