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Sidney Dillon Ripley

Ancestry of
Sidney Dillon Ripley

Secy. of the Smithsonian, WWII Spy

    Sidney Dillon Ripley II

    View famous kin of Sidney Dillon Ripley

    • 1st Generation
    • Ahnentafel No:
    • 1 
    • Birth Date:
    • 20 Sep 1913 
    • Birth Location:
    • New York, New York 
    • Christening Date:
    •  
    • Christening Location:
    •  
    • Death Date:
    • 12 Mar 2001 
    • Death Location:
    • Washington, D.C. 
    • Burial Date:
    •  
    • Burial Location:
    • East Cemetery, Litchfield, Litchfield Co., Connecticut 
    • Notes: 

    • 8th Secretary of the Smithsonian

      World War II - Spy for the OSS

      Sidney Dillon Ripley II (1913-2001) was a distinguished American ornithologist, conservationist, and the eighth Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Ripley's academic journey began at Yale University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1936. His early passion for ornithology took him to India, where he conducted extensive field research, further honing his expertise in natural sciences.

      During World War II, Ripley served as a spy for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA. Stationed in Southeast Asia, he utilized his deep knowledge of the region's terrain and culture to gather intelligence, significantly aiding Allied operations. His wartime experiences deepened his commitment to international conservation efforts, recognizing the fragile balance between human activities and natural habitats.

      After the war, Ripley returned to academia, completing his Ph.D. at Harvard University in 1943. He joined the Yale faculty, where he continued his research in ornithology, publishing numerous influential works. Ripley's academic contributions, particularly his studies on the birds of India and Southeast Asia, solidified his reputation as a leading ornithologist.

      In 1964, Ripley was appointed Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, a position he held until 1984. Under his leadership, the Smithsonian underwent significant expansion, including the establishment of new museums and research facilities. Ripley championed the National Museum of Natural History and was instrumental in creating the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. He also played a pivotal role in the launch of the National Air and Space Museum, which became one of the most visited museums globally.

      Ripley's tenure at the Smithsonian was marked by a commitment to public education and scientific research. He fostered international collaborations and advocated for environmental conservation, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence the institution's direction.

  • Marriages for Sidney Dillon Ripley II

    • Spouse:
    • Mary Moncrieffe Livingston
    • Marriage Date:
    • ABT 1949

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