Smithsonian Institution. Visitor Information and Associates' Reception Center Search this
Extent:
18 cu. ft. (18 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Date:
1972-1989
Descriptive Entry:
These records document many aspects of the development and operation of VIARC, especially the administration of the Center's two volunteer corps. The bulk of the material
consists of the administrative files of Mary Grace Potter from 1972 to 1987, including general correspondence, memoranda, and budget reports. Of particular note are early
planning materials for the Smithsonian Information Center, which opened in the Castle in November 1989. In addition, the records contain the files of the Seven Day Information
Service and the Staff, Volunteer, and Intern Services units from 1980 to 1989. These materials include memoranda, correspondence, reports, and surveys generated and received
by the units.
Historical Note:
In October 1971 Mary Grace Potter became the first Director of the Smithsonian Associates' Reception Center, which was established to accommodate members of the National
Associate constituency that was created with the publication of Smithsonian magazine. Initial duties of the Center included reception and orientation services for National
Associate members visiting the Smithsonian Institution, response to telephone and mail inquiries from members, membership sales, and management of the reduced rate membership
and gift fulfillment program for employees and volunteers.
It soon became apparent that the organization provided services that would be valuable to the public as well as to National Associates, and by June 1975 it was renamed
the Visitor Information and Associates' Reception Center (VIARC). The Center operated originally under the auspices of the National Program of the Smithsonian Associates,
but by 1977 it had emerged as a separate entity reporting directly to the Assistant Secretary for Public Service. By 1989 the functions of VIARC were divided among five separate
units: the Information Resources Division; Public Inquiry Mail and Telephone Information Services unit; the Seven Day Information Service unit; the Staff, Volunteer, and Intern
Services unit; and Support Services.
