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DEACCESSION OF BARNEY STUDIO HOUSE

In keeping with the Institution's intention to dispose of the Barney Studio House through sale or donation, the following actions have been taken since January. On March 17, the Institution initiated a review required by the National Historic Preservation Act. This review requires the Institution to determine whether its disposal of the Barney House will have any adverse effect on the historic features that qualify the building for listing on the National Register or those of the historic districts of which it is a contributing structure. A letter to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation stated that, in applying the criteria of adverse effect, the Institution had determined that the proposed date of transfer of Barney Studio House would not have an adverse effect because a change in ownership of the property will not alter the characteristics of the property that qualify it for inclusion in the National Register. It also states that the Institution has determined that the sale or transfer will have no adverse effect on the surrounding historic districts.

The Institution received a preliminary assessment from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation on April 13 requesting additional protections be provided through a covenant in any deed of sale. The Institution will continue to consult with the Advisory Council. Once agreement has been reached, the Institution will proceed with the disposal of the property.

The Institution wrote to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Friends of Alice Pike Barney Studio House on March 15 asking that they assist us in identifying any nonprofit organizations that might be in a position to take ownership of the house and restore it. Responses were requested by April 15. The National Trust has responded to the inquiry stating that the only way it would be possible for them to take responsibility for the house would be if an endowment were transferred along with the house in order to operate it. No such endowment is available. The Friends have expressed their wish to respond after the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation consultation process has been completed.

150th ANNIVERSARY PLANS AND CORPORATE PARTNER PROGRAM

At a press conference on March 28, Secretary Heyman announced the Corporate Partner Program and the exciting components which will broaden the reach of the Smithsonian during the 150th Anniversary Celebration in 1996. A traveling exhibition called America's Smithsonian, a network television gala, and other innovative programs will highlight all of the resources of the Institution. Although this press event launched the Program to the media, work is well under way to recruit Partners and produce the various programs and events for the 150th Anniversary Celebration.

The Office of Development and 21 Marketing have been canvassing the corporate world to invite 10 like-minded partners to join the 150th excitement. Discover Card has enthusiastically joined the Corporate Partner Program, and Memoranda of Understanding have been signed with two other corporations. Discussions with several other potential corporate partners appear promising. One of the objectives of the 150th Celebration is to form

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