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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION   1527

seems sure that the building is being well constructed, but that greater effort must be made to insist that the builder adhere to the construction time schedule. The present completion date is still set by the General Services Administration as March, 1962. Barring unforseen conditions it is now expected that the Smithsonian Institution should be able to start occupancy of the building prior to the contract completion date.

SETTING OF DATE FOR LAYING CORNERSTONE OF THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY

There was a discussion regarding the timing and the officials who should participate. On motion by Senator Saltonstall, seconded by Dr. Greenwalt, and carried it was

VOTED that the Board of Regents directs the Secretary with the Executive Committee to set the date for the laying of the cornerstone of the Museum of History and Technology and make the necessary arrangements for the program.

REPORT ON ADDITION TO THE NATURAL HISTORY BUILDING

The Secretary stated that money had been appropriated for the construction of the east wing and for certain reconstruction of the main structure of the Natural History Building. He reported that the George Hyman Construction Company had been the low bidder for this work and had been awarded the contract. It was noted that General Services Administration must take the lowest acceptable bidder, and that this firm is an old and established Washington one.

REPORT ON PLANNING CONVERSION OF OLD PATENT OFFICE BUILDING FOR USE OF NATIONAL COLLECTION OF FINE ARTS AND AS A NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

The Secretary reported that a preliminary planning study of this building had been made. The Budget for the fiscal year 1962 includes a request for $400,000 for planning this renovation. This building will be a great art gallery; some architectural historians consider