Reference Request
Finding Aids to Official Records of the Smithsonian Institution Archives
Record Unit 341
Smithsonian Institution. Office of the Secretary. Special Assistant to the Secretary for Bicentennial Planning
Correspondence, 1969-1977
Historical Note
The Special Assistant to the Secretary for Bicentennial Planning was responsible for developing various aspects of the Smithsonian Institution's planning for the celebration of the Bicentennial of the American Revolution in 1976. For a full account of planning for the Bicentennial events, researchers should also consult the records of the Bicentennial Coordinator responsible for internal Smithsonian planning, Record Unit 337.
John J. Slocum was attached to the Office of the Secretary, but also reported on occasion to the Director of the National Museum of History and Technology since he was involved in procuring artifacts for use by the Museum in its exhibits. He was particularly involved in negotiations for a Pony Express first-day cover and for a Corliss steam engine, both of which the Museum wanted as features of its Bicentennial exhibitions. Slocum was also responsible for planning and leading a Smithsonian National Associates trip to Turkey during 1971, drawing on his earlier experience of the eastern Mediterranean in the American diplomatic service.
Descriptive Entry
These records consist of correspondence between Slocum and various persons and organizations he dealt with in carrying out his duties. They also document some of his personal interests, notably numismatics and the work of the English Speaking Union.
Index Terms
This collection is indexed under the following access terms. These are links to collections with related topics, persons or places.
Name
- English Speaking Union
- Slocum, John J.
- Smithsonian Institution -- Administration
- Smithsonian National Associate Regional Events Program
Subject
- American Revolution Bicentennial, 1776-1976
- Museums -- Administration
- Museums -- Public relations
- Numismatics
Physical Characteristics of Materials in the Collection
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 341, Smithsonian Institution, Office of the Secretary, Special Assistant to the Secretary for Bicentennial Planning, Correspondence