From 1950-1966 the California Academy of Sciences produced "Science in Action", which was the first live science television program in the country.
Every week, half-hour episodes aired on various San Francisco Bay Area stations and were eventually syndicated and broadcast throughout the world. Dr. Tom Groody was the first host. In 1952, Aquarium superintendent Dr. Earl S. Herald took over that role and remained host until "Science in Action" went off the air in 1966. The show discussed science topics with prominent guest scientists and featured an exciting segment with live, unpredictable animals. The Academy won dozens of awards for the program, both from viewers and critics alike. Many long-time viewers fondly remember the spontaneity and easy charm of Dr. Herald and learning about science from the program. The Academy holds the administrative files, over a thousand reels of 16mm "Science in Action" films, hundreds of scripts, and hundreds of still photographs from the program.
