The American Cleft Palate Association: its first 36 years.

History involves memory, and sometimes memory is faulty. History requires documentation, and sometimes documents cannot be found. History demands winnowing, and sometimes the wheat and the chaff cannot be completely separated. History is an assembly of details, and details may become burdensome. History is a challenge, to which the historian tries to respond. Surely, earlier Historians of the American Cleft Palate Association must have encountered this challenge. The present Historian acknowledges the work of her predecessors: George H. Foster, W. J. Robinson, and William Harkins from dentistry and Gretchen M. Phair and Asa J. Berlin from speech pathology. In preparing this review of events that took place from 1943 to 1978, in the United States and in other countries, during times of war and times of relative peace, through difficulties and accomplishments, I have attempted to be as accurate as possible. If I have distorted facts and if I have omitted people and happenings that should have been included, I have not done so intentionally. As Historian of the American Cleft Palate Association, I have appreciated the opportunity to learn about the organization and the people, past and present, who have built and maintained it. Thank you for giving me this assignment.