Concept 14 Mendelian genetics cannot fully explain human health and behavior.

Charles Davenport, first director of the Eugenics Record Office, 1932.

Charles Davenport at work, around 1933.

Eugenics exhibits were common in the early 1900's. Booths would be set up at local fairs and ERO field workers used the opportunity to collect data. This booth was set up at the Kansas State Free Fair in 1920.

The ERO sponsored "fitter family" contests to promote the idea of "breeding" better humans.

The eugneics tree, used as a logo by the ERO.

(P. 1 of 4) Issue #1 of the Eugenical News, January 1916, the newsletter issued by the Eugenics Record Office.

(P. 2 of 4) Issue #1 of the Eugenical News, January 1916, the newsletter issued by the Eugenics Record Office.

(P. 3 of 4) Issue #1 of the Eugenical News, January 1916, the newsletter issued by the Eugenics Record Office.

P. 4 of 4) Issue #1 of the Eugenical News, January 1916, the newsletter issued by the Eugenics Record Office.

In an age before computers, the Eugenics Record Office at Cold Spring Harbor had over 750,000 pieces of information on trait inheritance and family pedigrees.

How did the eugenics movement affect the public's perception of genetics and human heredity?

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Charles Davenport, first director of the Eugenics Record Office, 1932.