National Institute of Standards and Technology
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is an agency of the United States Department of Commerce whose mission is to promote American innovation and industrial competitiveness. NIST's activities are organized into physical science laboratory programs that include nanoscale science and technology, engineering, information technology, neutron research, material measurement, and physical measurement. From 1901 to 1988, the agency was named the National Bureau of Standards.
Chart of NBS activities, 1915
A mass spectrometer in use at the NBS in 1948
Advanced Measurement Laboratory Complex in Gaithersburg
Aerial view of the Gaithersburg campus in 2019
United States Department of Commerce
The United States Department of Commerce (DOC) is an executive department of the U.S. federal government concerned with creating the conditions for economic growth and opportunity.
The Herbert C. Hoover Building, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Commerce
Assistants William McCracken (left) and Walter Drake (right) with Secretary Hoover (center)
Herbert Hoover listening to a radio receiver
Hoover (left) with President Harding at a baseball game, 1921
