Descriptive Entry

This accession consists of exhibition records created and maintained by Gary Sturm, Assistant Chair, Division of Cultural History, that document his work on the planning and execution of exhibitions at the National Museum of American History and other institutions. Sturm studied mathematics at Beloit College and pursued European Studies at the University of Copenhagen before joining the Smithsonian in 1975. In 1981 Sturm helped the Smithsonian acquire its first Stradivarius, the 1701 Servais cello. As the Assistant Chair, Sturm was responsible for the preservation and study of some 5000 musical instruments. Sturm also served as Executive Director of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society. Included are records from when the division was known as the Division of Musical Instruments and subsequently the Division of Musical History, and Office of Cultural History. Also some materials date to when the museum was known as the National Museum of History and Technology. Materials include correspondence, memoranda, programs, brochures, loan records, images, sounds recordings, and clippings. Some materials are in electronic format.