The Office of Museum Programs, a predecessor of the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies (SCEMS), began operations in 1971. About 1995 the Office was renamed as the Center for Museum Studies, and in 1999 a merger of the Center for Museum Studies and the Smithsonian Office of Education produced SCEMS. The Office interprets the collective knowledge of the Smithsonian and serves as a gateway to the Institution's education resources. Through research, publishing, and staff development programs for the education and museum communities, the center promotes the understanding and use of museums.

Peter C. Welsh was Director in 1971, followed by Frederick Schmid, 1971-1973. Jane R. Glaser served, 1975-1989, followed by James E. Sims (Acting), 1989--1990, and Teresa K. LaMaster (Acting) 1991. Rex M. Ellis was Director, 1992-1998, succeeded by Ann Phillips Bay, 1999-2000, and Stephanie Norby, 2000- .