Joseph Henry Opposes Smithsonian's Acceptance of Government Collections

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Summary

In Secretary Joseph Henry's annual report to the Board of Regents, he argues against acceptance of collections belonging to the United States government, fearing that the resulting solution of seeking annual appropriations to support the museum would subject the Institution to political influence and control. The government collections, including those from the United States Exploring Expedition (1838-1842) were currently on display in the Patent Office Building.

Subject

  • Henry, Joseph 1797-1878
  • Board of Regents
  • United States Exploring Expedition (USEE)
  • Patent Office Building (POB)

Category

Chronology of Smithsonian History

Legal document information

SCAN BIB 5852, PLAN NATIONAL GALLERY AND ADD TO THIS RECORD

Notes

  • Henry's statement can be found at http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/8896958.
  • Annual Report of the Smithsonian Institution for the year 1849. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Senate, 1850, p. 20-21.

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

1849

Topic

  • Museum finance
  • Policies
  • Controversies
  • Secretaries
  • Expenditures, Public
  • National Collections

Full Record

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