Description: Alice Green Burnette, Assistant Secretary for Institutional Initiatives, 1989–96, managed the $200 million campaign to build the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington and led marketing efforts for Smithsonian’s 150th anniversary programming. She initially arrived in 1988 as Deputy Assistant Secretary for External Affairs and Coordinator of Institutional
Description: Roxie Collie Laybourne pioneered the field of forensic ornithology through her study of bird feathers, which has meant improved aviation safety.
Description: On Thursday, October 22nd, four of our archivists/conservators were available on the Smithsonian's Facebook page to answer questions about preserving your own archival collections. The four archivists at the Q&A have specialties in the preservation and organization of audio/visual material, photos, and digital records (email, digital video, etc.) This is our fifth year hosting
Description: At the 1996 Festival of American Folklife, Smithsonian staff and volunteers conducted oral history interviews with colleagues about their memories of working for the Smithsonian. To celebrate the Smithsonian’s 175th anniversary, we’re sharing clips from three of those interviews.
Description: In 1956, Helena M. Weiss received a letter asking for information about “how to capture them, also how to raise them… what to put them in, also what to feed them.” Interestingly, the letter-writer neglected to specify what he or she meant by “them,” leaving Weiss only to guess what exactly the inquiry was referring to. From 1948 to 1956, Weiss was Chief of the Office of
Description: This summer Visiting Professional Laura Wahl had the chance to learn more about how to respond to the problem of mold residues found on archival materials. The Smithsonian Affiliations’ Visiting Professionals Program allowed her to spend time at the Smithsonian Institution Archives’ conservation lab researching this topic.
Description: Linda Ezell, author and former Assistant Director for Collections (1987-1996), National Air & Space Museum, wrote several books with her husband, Edward Ezell, on the history of space programs.
Description: Laurie M. Penland, Diving Officer for the Smithsonian Scientific Diving Program, has traveled the globe providing diving support and training since 2005. She is also a professional photographer, capturing underwater photographs and videos for the Smithsonian. #Groundbreaker
Description: Dr. Sharon Shaffer, Founding Director, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, 1988–2012, established a museum-based, educational program for young children at the Smithsonian. She also developed trainings and wrote numerous publications for educators. #Groundbreaker