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Across the full range of Smithsonian art museums, the number of art donations increased 150% in 1991, as compared to 1990, with these increases ranging from both the Cooper-Hewitt and National Portrait Gallery's 75% to the Freer Gallery of Art's increase of 1200%.  Other percentages include the National Museum of American Art's increase of almost 600%, the Sackler Gallery's 500%, the Hirshhorn's 350%, and the National Museum of African Art's 200%. 

Total value estimates are difficult to ascertain since the museums do not always have precise valuations (that being the donor's responsibility). Nevertheless, the aggregate estimate for the value of objects donated in 1991 is approximately $11,000,000.  The quality of works received is also impressive, ranging from the major group of 346 silhouettes and a wonderful Charles Willson Peale portrait at the National Portrait Gallery to an extraordinary Kongo power figure at the National Museum of African Art. 

There is clear evidence that the Revenue Reconciliation Act provided a major boost to collecting activities at the Smithsonian, so directors and curators share the concern of their colleagues across the country that this window should be kept open indefinitely.


LITIGATION REPORT SUMMARY

During the period ending April 1992 there were pending thirteen cases to which the Smithsonian Institution was a party or had an interest, including one new case (*) and two cases that have been resolved (+):

Administrative Procedure:

Cotton v. Adams (petition for injunctive relief under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, for the production of certain documents in the files of the Smithsonian Office of the Inspector General - filed November 1, 1991, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia).

Employment:

* Brandon v. Adams (claim of discrimination on the basis of sex and race - filed in March 1992 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia).

Cato v. Adams (claim of discrimination on the basis of handicap (epilepsy) - filed September 4, 1991, in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia).

Dickson v. Smithsonian Institution (claim of discrimination on the basis of race (white) - filed September 15, 1986, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia).