National Museum of African Art (U.S.) Founding Director Emeritus Search this
National Museum of African Art (U.S.) Acting Director Search this
Type:
Mixed archival materials
Date:
1979
1979-
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.
Torch, February 1997
Guide to the Smithsonian Archives, 1996
The Museum of African Art became part of the Smithsonian Institution in 1979, acquiring its present name in 1981. Its Founding Director was Warren M. Robbins, 1979-1981, and Founding Director Emeritus and Senior Scholar, 1982-1995. Subsequent Directors included John E. Reinhardt, Acting Director, 1981-1983; Sylvia H. Williams, 1983-1996; Patricia L. Fiske, Acting Director, 1996; Roslyn A. Walker, 1997-2002; Sharon F. Patton, Director, 2003-2008; Christine Mullen Kreamer, Acting Director, 2009; Johnetta B. Cole, Director, 2009-2017; Christine Mullen Kreamer, Acting Director, 2017; Gus Casely-Hayford, 2018-2019; Deborah L. Mack, Interim Director, 2019-2020; and Ngaire Blankenberg, 2021- .
The Director is responsible for implementing the broad mission of the National Museum of African Art. The first Director, Warren M. Robbins, led the Museum from its beginnings as a private organization, the Museum of African Art, through its incorporation into the Smithsonian. Subsequent Directors have worked with their staffs to present the visual arts and culture of the African continent in fresh and engaging ways.
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