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Funds appropriated to the Smithsonian for the implementation of the National Museum Act are made available, primarily by grants and contracts, to museums, professional associations, and individuals.  Such funding is made after review by the National Museum Act Advisory Council, appointed for this purpose by the Smithsonian.  The membership of the Advisory Council encompasses the principal museum disciplines--art, science, and history--and is broadly representative of the various regions of the United States.  The Council advises and assists the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in determining priorities and assessing the quality of individuals and programs seeking support under the Act.  In funding proposals the Advisory  Council has insisted that all proposals clearly demonstrate how the project will improve the profession--its techniques, methods and approaches.

Among the major activities supported recently under the National Museum Act is the National Conservation Advisory Council, a body composed of leading figures in the field, which has undertaken a series of studies and reports on the current status of museum conservation in America.  Its primary report focuses on the training of conservators, education of users, scientific support, standards and facilities, and includes a proposal to meet national conservation needs.