Proceedings of the Board of Regents Meeting held on May 5, 1980

From the first United States National Museum in 1881, it was tradition that only museums that were part of the Smithsonian could use "National" in their name. However, at this May meeting, Smithsonian Secretary S. Dillon Ripley brought the Regents attention to two new museums that were breaking with this tradition. A museum in San Francisco and an aquarium in Baltimore had been given new names under federal legislation. How should the Smithsonian and its Regents respond? Should the tradition be defended? What would this mean for future Smithsonian museums? Join us in transcribing these May 5, 1980 meeting minutes to learn more about this and other developments. To learn more about this the Board of Regents Meeting Minutes, 1846- and to find previously transcribed proceedings, see the finding aid. Our gratitude goes to the many volunteers who have helped in this transcription effort.