Descriptive Entry

These records consist of exhibition design, production, and installation information including proposals and narratives, scripts, schedules, graphic designs, construction contracts and specifications, floor plans, blueprints, schematic drawings, and photographs. The records also include Department of Exhibits administrative files such as correspondence, memoranda, monthly progress reports, budget information, space planning, and meeting minutes of the Museum Advisory Committee, 1983.

Historical Note

The Department of Exhibits was created in 1973 to design and produce exhibitions within the National Museum of American History (NMAH), then known as the National Museum of History and Technology. Prior to 1973, the Office of Exhibits Programs was responsible for the design and production of NMAH exhibitions.

The Department of Exhibits is responsible for the design, production, installation, and disassembly of the permanent and temporary exhibitions at the National Museum of American History. The records include the project files and the administrative files of the Department dating from its establishment in 1973. Also included are project files and administrative files of the Office of Exhibits Programs, 1969-1973, and the Office of Exhibits, 1959-1968. Staff represented in the records include John E. Anglim, chief, Office of Exhibits, 1957-1968, chief, Office of Exhibits Programs, 1969-1970, and director, Office of Exhibits Programs, 1971-1972; Benjamin W. Lawless, assistant director of the Museum for design and production, 1974-1976, and assistant director for exhibits, 1977-1981; J. Michael Carrigan, assistant director for exhibitions and public spaces, 1982- ; and Richard J. Nicastro, deputy assistant director for exhibitions and public spaces, 1985- .