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National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Regina “Reggie” Behl

Art TeacherOak Ridge, TN

Manhattan Project VeteranSpouse to Manhattan Project Worker
Reggie Behl, 1946. Photograph courtesy of Hal Behl.

Regina “Reggie” Behl (1922-2011) was an art teacher in Oak Ridge, Tennessee during the Manhattan Project. Her husband, Hal Behl, worked at the K-25 plant.

Reggie grew up in Long Beach, New York. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Pratt Institute in 1944, the same year that she married Hal, a high school classmate. After Hal was assigned to Oak Ridge in 1945, Reggie joined him there, teaching art at the Highland View Grammar School. Within a year, she was promoted to head art teacher.

After the Manhattan Project, she and Hal raised three boys. Reggie later returned to school and received a master’s degree in painting from California State University at Northridge. A prolific artist and art educator, she was known for teaching “Quick Sketching for Travel” workshops around the country.

Regina “Reggie” Behl’s Timeline
1922 Born in New York City, New York.

1944 Received a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Art Education, from Pratt Institute.

1944 Married Hal Behl.

19451946 Was an art teacher in Oak Ridge, TN during the Manhattan Project.

Reggie and Hal Behl at Oak Ridge. Photograph courtesy of Hal Behl.

The Behls’ Christmans card, 1945. Courtesy of Hal Behl.

Flyer designed by Reggie Behl when looking for housing in Oak Ridge. Courtesy of Hal Behl.

Reggie Behl at the Founders wall at Oak Ridge. Courtesy of Hal Behl.

Reggie Behl. Photograph courtesy of Hal Behl.

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