Michael Robert Harris

Michael Robert Harris
June 2, 1941—March 22, 2026

Just ten weeks shy of his 85th birthday, Michael Harris passed away on Sunday, March 22nd. Michael grew up in the Bronx, a borough of New York City where he was captured at an early age by National Geographic Magazine, giving him the world and igniting his lifelong love for history and science.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in the History of Pharmacy from Brooklyn College of Pharmacy, NYC (1969) and went on to earn his Master of Science Degree in the History of Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1991).

After working as a pharmacist for less than two years, Michael accepted a position with the newly built Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History (NMAH) in 1970. There, for almost 30 years, he was a Senior Museum Specialist for Pharmacy and Public Health in the Division of Medical Sciences responsible for a substantial increase in the size of the museum's pharmaceutical objects and collections. His overriding passion was collecting and preserving objects for future generations that reflected current day pharmacy in the United States.

Both at the Smithsonian and later in his career as a History Consultant, Michael had major roles in several important exhibitions including, M*A*S*H: Binding Up The Wounds," a highly popular twice extended exhibit at NMAH which told the story of "MASH" Units during the Korean and Vietnam Wars by using the sets from the highly successful television series M*A*S*H. Michael worked directly with the producers of the T.V. show arranging the donation of many of the show's original artifacts to the museum. He also conceived of and helped secure support for "Medicines: The Inside Story," a traveling exhibition that included a major academic Conference at the Carter Center in Atlanta, GA with an accompanying book. At the National Library of Medicine, Michael also co-Curated an exhibit on "Images of Hospital Pharmacy In America."

Michael's consummate skills as a collector, curator and storyteller benefited museums' collections both in the United States and overseas. His counsel and contributions were instrumental to many institutions with pharmaceutical holdings including the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy (AIHP), the Food and Drug Administration History Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration Museum, Hook's Drug Store Museum in Indianapolis, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, Alexandria, VA, plus the Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy at Long Island University in New York where Michael worked as an Adjunct Professor for 12 years teaching History of Pharmacy and Alternative Medicine. From 2001-2003, he served as President of the AIHP as well as 4 terms on the Institute's Council. In 2022, the AIHP conferred on him the Robert P. Fischelis Award for his "Lifetime of work to preserve and care for pharmacy's physical culture."

A winning NYC high school Swim Team Champion, Michael also loved being a Boy Scout Leader. He was a skilled marksman, woodworker and gardener. His strongly committed belief in serving and helping others sent him on several public health missions to West Africa.

He is survived by his long-standing partner Dorothy Berlin; his beloved son, Aaron Cass Harris; brother Walter Harris and sister-in-law Angela; nieces Lara (Steven), Heather (Craig), Tracy Harris-Lustig (Steve); nephew Robert (Lainey); grandnieces Beia, Emmaline; grandnephew Ryan. Michael lived with a huge heart. He will be greatly missed by the Berlin Family, innumerable friends and colleagues.

Those who wish to give donations in Michael's memory can be made to Doctors Without Borders or, the charity of your choice.