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[[underlined]] The National Symphony Orchestra [[/underlined]]

The Regents were informed that there had been discussion of a possible linkage between the National Symphony Orchestra and the Smithsonian, sparked primarily by the Symphony's financial crisis (a projected deficit of $2.5 million by the end of FY 1981).  The suggestion had been made that requisite funds could be passed through the Smithsonian budget to the Symphony. 

It was noted that the Senate subcommittee had just included such funds in the FY 1981 appropriation for the National Park Service, not the Smithsonian, and the Regents agreed that the most reasonable long-term solution to the Symphony's funding problems should involve direct appropriations to the Kennedy Center, for which the Symphony would serve as the "house orchestra."

[[underlined]] Proposed Private Bill and Agreement to Acquire the Meserve Collection of Portrait Photographs for the National Portrait Gallery [[/underlined]]

The Secretary discussed the history and significance of the Meserve Collection of 7,250 original glass plate negatives of Mathew Brady portrait photographs (including the only original print of the last photograph of Abraham Lincoln). 
The Collection is now the property of the Dorothy Meserve Kunhardt Trust and the executors of her estate are willing to provide for the transfer of the Collection to the National Portrait Gallery according to terms of a proposed Agreement, which entails the submission of a private bill for the partial relief of the estate's taxes.  On the recommendation of the National Portrait Gallery Commission, it was

VOTED that, for the purpose of acquiring the Meserve Collection in the National Portrait Gallery, the Board of Regents approves the Agreement dated October 1, 1980 and requests the Congressional Members of the Board to introduce and support legislation for the relief of the estate of Dorothy Meserve Kunhardt.

The Agreement and proposed bill are given.

[[underlined]] Smithsonian Service Center (North Capitol Street) [[/underlined]]

The Regents were informed that a potential purchaser has raised questions with respect to the Smithsonian's lease of a 160,000 square-foot multi-purpose building just north of the Government Printing Office.  To help assure continued use of the building (of great use and convenience to various activities, including shipping, receiving, exhibits production, and collection storage), the Institution is seeking authority to contract for a multi-year period in advance of appropriations.  Should the proposed purchase not be completed, the present owner would be responsive to a proposal from the Smithsonian.

[[underlined]] Museum Support Center [[/underlined]]

Introducing a report circulated in advance, Mr. Jameson mentioned that bids received were substantially in excess of money available for construction; studies are being conducted to determine cost reductions while maintaining the integrity of the building.  The prepared report summarized the status of design, construction costs, equipment for collection storage, equipment costs, and the collections inventory.