Smithsonian Institution Office of Public Information Search this
Smithsonian Institution Smithsonian Museum Service Search this
Smithsonian Institution Office of Information Search this
Type:
Mixed archival materials
Date:
1968
1968-
Category:
Agency History
Notes:
This is an agency history. It does not describe actual records. The Smithsonian Institution Archives uses these histories as brief accounts of the origin, development, and functions of an office or administrative unit to set that unit in its historical context. To find information on record holdings, please double-click the highlighted field "Creator/Author", which will open on a brief view of relevant records.
Guide to the Smithsonian Archives, 1996
Office of Public Affairs, "OPA Mission," http://www.si.edu/oeema/LETSDOBZ_web.html#of_ public affairs 04/11/2000
Office of Public Affairs, Internship Opportunities, http://www.si.edu/cms/Intern%20Programs/iosi.htm#opa/II 04/11/2000
Voice of America, Past Directors, Evelyn S. Lieberman, https://www.insidevoa.com/a/4499752.html, accessed September 15, 2021.
The Office of Public Affairs (OPA), established in 1968, had its origins in the Editorial and Publications Division of the Institution, which had long been disseminating news about Smithsonian events and exhibitions. From 1958 to 1965 the Smithsonian Museum Service provided public information about the Smithsonian and its programs. In 1965 the Office of Information, reporting to the Secretary, was created, in part to deal with festivities and events surrounding the Smithson Bicentennial. In 1968 the Office of Public Affairs was created.
G. Carroll Lindsay was appointed Acting Curator of the Smithsonian Museum Service in 1958 and Curator, 1959-1965, and Director, Office of Information, 1966. Meredith Johnson was Acting Director, 1966. James R. Morris served as Director, 1967-1968. Frederic M. Philips became the first Director of the Office of Public Affairs and served 1968-1972. Carl W. Larsen succeeded him, 1972-1978, followed by Albert Rosenfeld, 1979-1986; Madeleine Jacobs, 1986-1993; Linda St. Thomas, Acting Director, 1994-1995; David J. Umansky, Director of Communications, 1995-2001; and Evelyn S. Lieberman, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, 2002-2015.
OPA informs the American public, people around the world, and Smithsonian employees about the exhibitions, programs, and research activities of the Smithsonian. The office provides the news media with press releases, photographs, written materials, videotapes, and public service announcements. Its publications include "Smithsonian Institution Research Reports" (a quarterly bulletin), "The Torch" (a monthly employee newspaper), and the "Blue Bulletin" (a biweekly administrative newsletter for staff), as well as brochures for the public.
For a history of the larger creating unit, refer to "Forms part of " above.
Repository Loc.:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Capital Gallery, Suite 3000, MRC 507; 600 Maryland Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20024-2520
