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[[underlined]] NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN [[/underlined]]

Introducing the following report on the National Museum of the American Indian, Mr. Adams noted that action by the Supreme Court of New York is expected by the end of May, clearing the way for the full implementation of the act of Congress and the Agreement between the Heye Foundation and the Smithsonian. As noted in the report, the search for the director of the National Museum may reach fruition this month as well. The Secretary noted that Dr. Roland Force has indicated he will retire from the directorship of the New York museum on May 15. 

In discussion, the Secretary reported that the transfer of the Heye Foundation's library, currently on deposit at the Huntington Library, remains unresolved. Mr. Anderson mentioned that within several weeks a summary ruling is expected either to resolve the matter or to suggest the lines along which it can be litigated. He added that, following a review of Custom House space by the Trustees of the National Museum of the American Indian, the General Services Administration seems willing to permit the use of certain grand ceremonial spaces in the Custom House for special activities of the Heye Center on a shared basis with other agencies in the building. It was noted that the Institution remains committed toward opening an exhibition in the Custom House in 1992, even though the building will almost certainly not be completely renovated on the interior.

In further discussion, it was noted that the Institution is planning on operating the Audubon Terrace facility of the Museum of the American Indian at least until the Custom House is ready to house the Heye Center, though it is unlikely that the Audubon Terrace facility can be operated as a public museum for all of that time. Mr. Adams added that he is pursuing a recent suggestion to establish soon within the Arts and Industries Building an exhibition, or series of exhibitions, of items from the Heye collections, to give visitors to