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James BillingtonAmerican historian, 13th Director of the Library of Congress
Date of Birth: 01.06.1929
Country:  USA |
Content:
- James H. Billington
- Military and Intelligence Service
- Academic Career
- Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
- Authorship and Diplomacy
- Librarian of Congress and International Initiatives
- Awards and Honors
- Legacy
James H. Billington
Early Life and EducationJames H. Billington, an American historian and the 13th Librarian of Congress, was born in Pennsylvania. He graduated from Lower Merion High School as valedictorian and went on to Princeton University, where he also graduated with honors in 1950. Billington received a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University.
Military and Intelligence Service
After serving in the U.S. Army, Billington worked as an intelligence analyst for the CIA's Office of National Estimates.
Academic Career
From 1957 to 1962, Billington taught history at Harvard University. He then joined the faculty of Princeton University as a professor of history from 1964 to 1974.
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
From 1973 to 1987, Billington served as the director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. During his tenure, he founded the Kennan Institute for Advanced Russian Studies.
Authorship and Diplomacy
Billington authored several books on Russian history and culture. He made numerous trips to the USSR and Russia as part of U.S. congressional delegations. In 1988, he accompanied President Ronald Reagan on his trip to the USSR. Billington is fluent in Russian.
Librarian of Congress and International Initiatives
In 1999, Billington became the Librarian of Congress. He co-founded the U.S.-Russian Open World Program with Dmitry Likhachev, which brought over 14,000 young leaders from the former USSR to the United States.
Awards and Honors
Billington is a foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and an honorary doctor of Moscow State University and Tbilisi State University. He has received numerous awards and medals.
Legacy
As the Librarian of Congress, Billington played a pivotal role in the creation of the World Digital Library. His contributions to Russian history and diplomacy, as well as his dedication to international exchange, have left a lasting legacy.
