These records document the administrative and financial activities of the
Exhibits Design and Production Laboratory during its planning, construction,
and first years of operation. Records contain feasibility studies of the
project, and correspondence and agreements about the acquisition of land for
the facility. Also included are copies of construction contracts, as well as
memoranda and correspondence with architects and contractors regarding the
planning and progress of the building. The financial requirements of the
project are represented by staff memoranda regarding possible sources of
support, funding proposals, correspondence with donors, and requisition forms.
A fire that damaged the Laboratory in July 1976 is documented by photographs,
reports, and memoranda. Administrative records of the Exhibits Training
Program are also included. The records contain briefing sheets, periodic
progress reports, and correspondence with Smithsonian administrators and
financial sponsors. Also included are grant proposals, curricula outlines,
correspondence concerning job placements for graduating students, and
statements of expenses. Box 1 of 1
Contact us at osiaref@si.edu
Revised: February 15, 2008 HISTORICAL NOTE
Audrey Archer joined the museum in 1968 as an Administrative Assistant and
became the Administrative Officer in 1975. Although Archer's duties
encompassed the entire museum, these records concern only the Exhibits Design
and Production Laboratory, which was designed and constructed during her
tenure, and which was occupied by the Exhibits Branch of the museum in 1974.
For an administrative history of the Exhibits Branch and the Exhibits Training
Program see record unit 378.
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