The Office of Public Programs, headed by an Assistant Director, was created in 1994, following on an Assistant Director for Programs position during 1992. Prior to that time, similar work had been done by Program Coordinators, sometimes one but usually two, reaching as far back as 1976. The Office is responsible for all of the Museum's programmatic activities, including exhibitions, educational programs, publications, and special initiatives.

Program Coordinators prior to the formal creation of the Office included Jane Clark, Program Coordinator, 1976-1978; Jennifer Jarvis, 1978-1982; and Susan Yelavich, 1979-1994. Yelavich served as Assistant Director for Public Programs, 1994- . In 1992 Andrew Pekarik had served in a similar position as Assistant Director for Programs.