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and the Tropical Research Institute, were categorically uninterested in responding indicates the relatively low priority which these units attach to Afro-American programming. But one must be mindful that public programming is generally not a high priority of these operations.

Responses from the Institution's museums and the Zoo also varied widely. Where research reigns as the bureaus' highest priority, such as at the Natural History Museum and the Zoo, not surprisingly the units' responses on Afro-American programming tended to reflect a lower priority. Among the rest of the Smithsonian's museums, those with primary interests in aspects of American history (i.e., the Portrait Gallery, Air and Space, and the American History Museum) had put themselves in the strongest position on Afro-American programming; those with primary interests in art (such as the Freer/Sackler, Hirshhorn, and Cooper-Hewitt) expressed difficulties in ascribing high priority to Afro-American programming, though it should be noted that the Museum of American Art, most closely tied to American history interests, appears to be the most aggressive among the "art" museums in these terms. The most singularly successful operation in Afro-American programming is the Anacostia Museum, a museum dedicated exclusively to Black history and culture.

Perhaps most surprising and reassuring is the high priority placed upon Afro-American programming among the service and other program organizations which were asked to respond. These programs include the Resident and National Associate programs, Elementary and Secondary Education, Fellowships and Grants, Archives of American Art, Folklife, Interdisciplinary Studies, Museum Programs, Public Affairs, Television and Smithsonian World, SI Press, Traveling Exhibition Service, [[underline]] Smithsonian [[/underline]] Magazine, and the Visitors' Information and Associates' Reception Center. While the reports varied greatly from unit to unit, generally speaking the level of enthusiasm and thoughtful planning in these organization is exemplary and bodes well for the presentation of Smithsonian interests to the Afro-American community.

Where the Smithsonian has succeeded there is every reason to believe it will improve still further with continued vigilance. In areas where Afro-American programming has been slight, the Secretary and his staff recognize their responsibilities to redouble their efforts to ensure that other priorities, such as research or seemingly unrelated disciplines, do not obscure the obligation that every Smithsonian office has to relate its activities to the Afro-American community.

APPENDIX

[[underline]] SMITHSONIAN AFRO-AMERICAN PROGRAMMING [[/underline]]

In a recent memorandum to the heads of Smithsonian bureaus and program offices, the Secretary called for reports on recent and future programming of interest to the Smithsonian's Afro-American constituencies. As Mr. Adams wrote,

Public programming that appeals to and represents all segments of our population is a matter of great importance