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the series would be aimed at a general audience on the PBS television network.  A letter of agreement is being negotiated with Wang Laboratories for a 90-minute special program for commercial television, celebrating 200 years of American tradition and achievement based on the collections and research of the Smithsonian; the show is to be produced by Martin Sandler and narrated by Charleton Heston or Gregory Peck in time for a 1986 Easter or Christmas holiday special.

The Smithsonian, and the National Museum of Natural History in particular, is evaluating a proposal from GeoVision, Inc., to collaborate on a 13-week television series which will focus upon the roles earth processes and mineral resources play in the lives of people throughout the world.  The series is tentatively scheduled for broadcast in 1988 and, with joint fund raising by the Smithsonian and GeoVision, is expected to make a major contribution toward the renovation of the physical geology exhibitions in the Natural History Museum.

The Smithsonian is also considering a joint venture with the BBC and the noted independent producer Michael Gill to launch a ten-part one-hour television series entitled "The Latin Americans."  Scheduled to appear in 1989-1990, the series will promote a broad understanding of the history of the confluence of indigenous and Hispanic traditions in the Americas and will serve to introduce the U.S. public to the general themes and topics of the forthcoming international Columbus Quincentennial commemoration.  Out of a total budget of $5.2 million, the BBC has committed $1.5 million and the Smithsonian is considering assuming a leadership role in raising the remaining $3.7 million, of which $750,000 is earmarked for educational outreach.