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short time remaining, the pressure upon limited resources, and the full commitment of activities by individual bureaus and offices argue against an attempt to stimulate major new activities and exhibitions around a unified theme. It makes more sense to review what plans are already afoot for the 1995-1996 season and to determine what they say about the Smithsonian's development after 150 years. Certain exhibitions would speak to the Institution's past: for example, the National Portrait Gallery plans to present the intellectual climate of 1846, at the creation of the Smithsonian. Others would reflect the internationalism of the modern Smithsonian, as with the epic "Islam" exhibition to be jointly presented by the Sackler and African Art. The National Museum of the American Indian ground-breaking would speak to cultural diversity, as would the first programs of the African American Museum, and the emerging bio-park at the Zoo and an ambitious wide-screen film commissioned by Natural History would frame the public understanding of the crisis threatening bio-diversity. 

At the heart of the 150th planning is the opportunity for the Institution to examine itself and the multiplicity of goals and expectations placed upon it. Four years is not too short a time to enter into a conversation with various constituencies (those not successfully served as well as others) to assess how the Smithsonian can better define and order its obligations. What has happened in over twenty years since the 125th celebration is the phenomenal expansion of ambitions by and for the Smithsonian and the challenge to classic notions of what it represents. This must be reflected in the popular and scholarly histories of the Institution that are commissioned in print and other media, in the convocations and public meetings, and in the images and messages conveyed about the Smithsonian.  

The Smithsonian's dialogue with the nation has, in a sense, already begun. More and more the Institution is challenged to take itself out to the country, to demonstrate its usefulness far beyond the confines of the Mall, which few Americans can regularly visit. The 150th provides the opportunity not only to demonstrate the increase in activities and services already provided but also to frame new goals that would lead to lasting benefits outside the experience of a visit to Washington. These are likely to be heavily weighted toward educational planning, toward the sharing of expertise and collections, and toward the use of new technologies.  

By the September 1992 Regents' meeting, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for External Affairs will present an analysis of the numerous options available to the Institution, including a menu of suggested projects, and an approach toward encouraging national recognition of and participation in the Smithsonian's 150th commemoration. 


THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN 

Design and Construction in New York and Washington

U.S. Custom House - The construction contract for renovation of the Museum's George Gustav Heye Center at the U.S. Custom House went to bid following receipt of $8 million from the State of New York. The delay in receiving those funds has pushed the opening of the facility from late 1993