The Office of Public Affairs of the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery was created in 1986. Before that time, promoting special events and exhibitions was probably part of the job of the Head, Special Programs (also called the Coordinator of Special Programs), 1983-1990. Delivering press conferences and the like was most likely coordinated under the Office of the Director prior to 1986. The Office of Public Affairs was joined with the marketing section of the Office of Merchandising and Marketing around 2001. Merchandising, running the gallery shops, is now under the jurisdiction of Assistant Director, Finance and Administration. The Office of Public Affairs and Marketing reports to the Office of the Director.

Susan Bliss was the first Public Affairs Officer, 1986-1988. Her title changed to Head, Public Affairs in 1988, and she served as such until 2001. From 2001 to the present, Barbara Kram is Head, Public Affairs and Marketing. Rosaria Guaragna was in charge of the Office of Merchandising and Marketing from 1985 to about 1996. Martin Bernstein has been Head, Gallery Shops from 1997 to the present.

The Office of Public Affairs and Marketing promotes events (visits from dignitaries, concerts, lectures, award ceremonies, et al) and exhibitions at the Freer and Sackler galleries and handles press conferences and relations with the press.