Viewing page 6 of 162

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

- iv -

NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM PROJECT

On March 24, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration held a hearing on S.523, legislation to establish a National African American Museum within the Smithsonian Institution. On April 8, the House Administration Subcommittee on Libraries and Memorials held a hearing on H.R.1246, a companion measure. It is anticipated that both measures will be considered and reported by their respective committees in May.

The total budget request for fiscal year 1993 for the African American Museum is $710,000. This request includes a $240,000 base for three current employees, $270,000 for three additional staff positions (Deputy Director and two research positions), and $200,000 for planning and design.

The collections identification initiative is still under way. Task force committee members for media, art history, history and the performing arts have been discussing the museum's scope and objectives with professionals in museums as well as academic and other institutions to determine programming and the types of collections that should be accessioned for the Museum.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY WEST COURT FACILITY

The objective of this project is to develop, within the existing West Court of the Natural History Museum, new and expanded restaurant and Museum Shops facilities; to create a 500-seat, wide-screen theater for showing natural history and cultural films appropriate to the Museum's educational mission; to create a new education facility; and to provide ancillary spaces to support these objectives. The combined total of new and reconstructed space is approximately 72,000 square feet. The costs for construction, equipment, and start-up are estimated to total $20 million, which will be raised totally from non-Federal sources. According to estimates, income will cover operational costs and payments for debt service. Some additional Federal funds (beyond those currently provided for the existing West Court facility) may be required for security, utilities, and maintenance, and, to that end, staff will need to consult with Congressional authorizing and appropriations committees as these cost estimates are developed.

When firmer estimates can be determined and a complete prospectus prepared, and after consultation in the Congress, a proposed set of actions will be drafted for the Regents' consideration. It is hoped that the facility can be opened in 1996, as part of the Smithsonian's 150th anniversary.

ORGANIZATIONAL REVIEW - IMPLEMENTATION AND NEXT STEPS

The report examining the Institution's organization and functions was endorsed by the Secretary in mid-March. Alan Fern, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, was also asked to serve as Acting Deputy Under Secretary to implement the report's recommendations. These recommendations cover management responsibilities, changes in organizational structure, and improved delivery of certain administrative and program-related services. Consistent with the need to hold Assistant Secretaries accountable for the effective management of their assigned programs, each has prepared new position