Development of the Smithsonian National Board of Associates

Summary

The development of the Smithsonian National Board of Associates begins in 1970. Lynford E. Kautz of Office of Development and Smithsonian Regent Thomas J. Watson, Jr. and Chairman of the newly created Smithsonian National Associates Program (SNAP), launch a campaign to build up the private endowment funds. The campaign also serves as a foundation for the development of a "national counseling organization" that will serve to attract attract financial support.
In the Smithsonian Magazine for the Year 1971, a total of twelve members are listed as members of the Smithsonian National Board. The founding members are Thomas J. Watson, Jr., as Chairman, William Blackie, Richard P. Cooley, Joseph F. Cullman, III, Paul Davies, Leonard K. Firestone, G. Keith Funston, Alfred C. Glassell, Jr., Ben W. Heinman, William A. Hewitt, Frank Y. Larkin, and Merritt K. Ruddock.
At their May 10, 1972 meeting, the Smithsonian Board of Regents reviewed a report of the activities of the Smithsonian Associates Corporate and Individual Membership Activities that specifies a total of twenty-six members have joined the newly formed Smithsonian National Board over the last year.

Ripley, S. Dillon, "View from the Castle: Our anniversaries, past and present, allow us to touch base again with the ideals of our institution," Smithsonian Magazine, Volume 2, Number 6, September 1971, p. 6.
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 1, Board of Regents, Minutes of Meetings, May 10, 1972.
Smithsonian Year 1971, p. 17.
Smithsonian Year 1970, p. 6-7.

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

1970