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Smithsonian Institution Archives
National Museum Building Commission Records, 1879-1882
Summary
- Collection ID:
- SIA.FARU0071
- Creators:
-
United States National Museum
- Dates:
-
1879-1882
- Languages:
-
English
- Physical Description:
-
5.89 cu. ft. (6 document boxes) (4 half document boxes) (4 12x17 boxes) (2 oversize folders)
- Repository:
-
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Descriptive Entry
Descriptive Entry
These records fully document the construction of the 1881 National Museum Building; included are fiscal records, specifications, bids and contracts, correspondence with the architects, and records of the Building Commission itself, including minutes of meetings. See also record unit 92.
Historical Note
Historical Note
In 1876 the Board of Regents requested an appropriation from Congress to build a new museum, a necessity because of the incoming collections from the International Exhibition in Philadelphia. Congress complied and made an appropriation in 1879. The Regents appointed a building commission consisting of resident members of the Regents' Executive Committee and Secretary Spencer F. Baird. Cluss and Shulze of Philadelphia were made superintending architects. Construction began in April 1879 and was completed in 1881.
Administration
Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives
Using the Collection
Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 71, United States National Museum, National Museum Building Commission Records
Access Restriction
Deteriorating letterpress may prevent any reproduction.
More Information
Notes
SI Records
Keywords
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
Contact us at osiaref@si.edu