This accession consists of records that document the history and work of the Museum Conservation Institute (MCI). MCI serves as the center for specialized technical
collection research and conservation for all Smithsonian museums and collections. Through knowledge of materials and through the use of state-of-the-art instrumentation and
scientific techniques MCI staff provides technical research studies and interpretation of artistic, anthropological, biological, and historical objects. Some materials in
this accession date from when MCI was known as the Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education (SCMRE) and the Conservation Analytical Laboratory (CAL). Directors
documented in this accession include Charles Olin, 1966-1967; Robert M. Organ, 1968-1983; Alan Postlethwaite, Acting Director, 1983-1984; Lambertus Van Zelst, 1985-2003; and
Robert J. Koestler, 2004- . Materials include correspondence, memoranda, reports, grant proposals, meeting agendas and minutes, organizational charts, strategic plans, presentations,
staff lists, clippings, and images.
Rights:
Restricted for 15 years, until Jan-01-2030; Transferring office; 10/01/2003 memoranda, Wright to N'Gadi; Contact reference staff for details.