Descriptive Entry
Descriptive Entry
These records consist primarily of exhibition files, 1952-1981, for shows no longer traveling. The exhibitions are developed and organized by SITES and produced by both the Smithsonian's Office of Exhibits Central and outside sources. Exhibition themes cover the fields of art, history, and science, as well as current events. Also included are records on canceled and refused shows, photographs, and negatives. Additional SITES material can be found in the records of the Exhibit Editors' Office, Office of Exhibits Central, Record Unit 90, and in the records of the National Collection of Fine Arts, Office of Exhibition and Design, Record Unit 314.
Historical Note
Historical Note
Funds from the Alice Pike Barney Memorial Fund, established in 1951, and a grant from the Department of State enabled the National Collection of Fine Arts (NCFA) to create the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). Annemarie H. Pope was appointed chief of the Service and served until 1963. By 1962, the Service was circulating 135 exhibits to 316 museums within the United States and two exhibits abroad. Occasionally, exhibits were prepared for the use of the United States Information Agency.
The Service became independent of NCFA in 1965. Other chiefs of SITES included Dorothy Van Arsdale, 1965-1970 (acting chief in 1964); Eileen Rose, acting, 1971; and Dennis A. Gould, 1971-1979. In 1974, the administrative title of the head of the Service changed to "director." Rose served as acting director from 1979 to 1980, and Peggy A. Loar became director in 1981.
Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 290, Smithsonian Institution, Traveling Exhibition Service, Records
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
Contact us at osiaref@si.edu
