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108

THE INSTITUTIONS'S BICENTENNIAL READINESS

Mr. Anderson and Mrs. Hamilton presented thoughts on the subject of logistical planning for the Bicentennial. By 1976, more than half a dozen years of planning and $10,000,000 will have been expended on Bicentennial programs and projects of Smithsonian bureaus. Regardless of fuel shortage projections, it would be unwise not to plan and budget for a record number of Smithsonian visitors in 1976.  These visitors will need to be protected, informed, guided, fed, and in other ways provided for in larger numbers than ever before.  Similarly, the proper maintenance of Smithsonian buildings and exhibitions will place demands on the Institution far greater than our already limited capability.  The next budget cycle represents the Institution's last chance for obtaining adequate logistical support to carry through with our Bicentennial program.

The Smithsonian Bicentennial visitor will tend to focus his attention on the museum's Bicentennial exhibits.  Conference discussions centered around how to afford the visitor consistent service, building by building, in terms of information, signs, safety and the like, and how to provide this service in a coordinated fashion.  Conference participants addressed themselves to a series of recommendations which would allow visitor services to be strengthened and coordinated.  The principal conclusions reached are contained in the following summary of descriptive responsibilities.

[[underline]]Director of Support Activities[[/underline]]

1. Continue to negotiate with the Park Service for tourmobile service by 1976 to the NCFA and NPG Building, the Renwick Gallery, the National Zoo, and the Kennedy Center.

Through: Richard L. Ault or appointed representative

Time: Through 1976

2. Assign a Smithsonian Institution central administration staff person to work on Bicentennial transportation questions on behalf of all the museums, working with WMATA, the Park Service, Metrobus, and the Bicentennial Committee at the White House.