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Mr. Adams noted that he is thinking about the possibility of launching a study on the nature of the Smithsonian as it might be envisioned in the next century, much in the manner of the Regents' Commission nearly 50 years ago.

A Regent observed that the temporary exhibition which opened in the fall of 1992 at the Custom House seemed to be unrepresentative of the extraordinary collections of the National Museum of the American Indian. Mr. Adams replied that staff had conducted a critique which made several suggestions for improving future exhibitions. 

The Secretary announced that visitor counts in Smithsonian museums for 1992 are reminiscent of levels last seen in 1988, ending the deep and prolonged dip in visitorship on the intervening years. The 1992 total was approximately 26.5 million visits

FISCAL YEARS 1993 AND 1994: PRIORITIES, PROCESS, BUDGET, ISSUES, AMD STRATEGIC PLANNING

The Under Secretary led a discussion of the Institutional review, planning, and restructuring process. She provided a history of the process since last spring, noting that it had become clear that in the absence of major structural changes, the Institution would not be in a position to carry out its priorities with excellence, despite consistent support by the OMB and the Congress for the Institution's request. Over time, the Institution has effectively lost purchasing power for its base activities. During this same period, the Smithsonian' total unrestricted Trust fund income fell to pre-1987 levels.

Discussions initially centered on activities that were supported by the Trust funds, and decisions were reached to close a number of programs that had been funded over a long period, to transfer certain functions, and to separate a number of Trust employees with enhanced incentives to retire. After extensive consultations, the Under Secretary then drafted a proposal on to reallocate the fiscal year 1993 appropriated funds with the goal of looking beyond a single-year realignment for a permanent restructuring. With further input form the assistant secretaries and bureau and office heads, a revised proposal was formulated ans subsequently approved in part by the Secretary. The "final package," as approved by the Secretary, is soon to be submitted to the Congressional appropriations subcommittees for their approval, in accordance with standing reprogramming procedures.

The following core priorities of the Institution have not only guided the Institution's restructuring but will also shape requests for funding in fiscal year 1994 and beyond:

• the care and conservation of our collections and facilities;

• the retention of a vibrant, broadly appealing exhibition program (probably relying more heavily on our own collections);

• the maintenance f momentum in our major research programs where the Institution has a strong tradition and comparative advantage, with particular emphasis on fellowships, internships, and minority access;