Viewing page 130 of 146

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

128

Also, we have not thought about the results of this changing climate on the interdependence of our culture and society. I believe that we should be thinking, as a nation, as an institution and as bureaus, about our future growth limits. I see an emerging theme to what is happening in our culture and how it will affect the Institution. It is related to what we have been talking about at various times in this meeting with regard to a potential Museum of Man. It may be possible to demonstrate in such a museum that we are all indeed one group of human beings in this little envelope called the Earth. Perhaps there is a theme here that the Smithsonian should utilize. If we are to have another museum, it should be referred to as a Museum for the Family of Man, because its purpose is not really encompassed by the word "Man." Try to think of a museum in which we would not be exactly object oriented. Try to think of ways the various interests of the Smithsonian can be synthesized and utilized to demonstrate the interdependence of man and his cultures. Try to think of a grassroots museum educational process with dimensions that we cannot yet begin to grasp, but which would help to get on with the job of internationalizing the world and of explaining to its peoples why things are the way they are. I believe there is a nascent understanding of this interdependence and internationalism in our citizens and in our Congress. But we must help them to reach a complete understanding. To do this we need to develop a theme, a concept, and then attempt to gain support. I would urge you to capture in your imaginations the thrust of what such a museum would be like, what the implications are for us, and how the Smithsonian, in a positive and important fashion, might be able to remind all peoples of who they are, and from where they came.

In closing, there is an aspect to these ideas on limits of growth and interdependencies which I would like to emphasize. It was touched on lightly when we were discussing common Institutional purposes. I think there should be a way of having interbureau appointments. The science area, perhaps, is more ready for this than the others, but the idea of joint appointments should be considered. You may feel it is not my prerogative to make such a suggestion. But using the Air and Space Museum as an example, where museum research could encompass