Descriptive Entry

These records consist of administrative files of the Program, including a large volume dealing with loans to the White House. Other records relating to the Lending Program can be found in Record Unit 453, the Office of the Registrar.

Historical Note

Since the 1940s, the National Collection of Fine Arts (NCFA) had been loaning various works of art to offices in the federal government, so that more of the collection could be seen than was possible in the space allotted to NCFA in the Natural History Building. In the mid 1960s, with the move to the new building imminent, an effort was made to locate or recall many long-term loans and tighten administration of the lending program. Rowland Lyon was named Curator of Information and Lending and served until his death in 1966. Donald R. McClelland became Associate Curator for the Lending Program, 1967-1968. Between 1969 and 1972, McClelland held the title of Coordinator of Special Projects, but in 1973 he assumed the title of Coordinator for the Lending Program and served 1973- .