Update: Some notes about music and moving forward
Now that we’ve all had a chance to catch our breaths and get back into our regular routines after the extended partial federal government shutdown, I want to take a moment and bring everyone up to date on several items that concern us all.
Federal Government Shutdown
First, and most importantly, I want to express my gratitude again to all of you for your patience and dedication as we kept our people, collections and facilities safe throughout the shutdown. I hope that we will not be asked to endure another shutdown in February, but we will continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance and next steps as they become available.
Smithsonian Year of Music
Despite the shutdown, the Smithsonian Year of Music got off to a rousing start Jan. 1 with brass bands and an impromptu concert that surprised and delighted visitors to the National Mall. (There are some great pictures on Torch.) While most activities were cancelled, at least one music-related event continued each day in January, as organizers found new venues to replace the closed Smithsonian buildings. I appreciate Year of Music co-chairs, Dwandalyn Reece and Huib Schippers, and project coordinator Erin Dowdy for leading and organizing this project. The Smithsonian Year of Music website features a regularly updated schedule of events.
Transition
As I announced late last year, I will be leaving the Smithsonian in June to serve as the President and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges. As we begin this transition, I am confident that the foundation of the Smithsonian is very strong, and thanks to our Strategic Plan and talented colleagues at all levels who will continue to implement it, the Smithsonian is well positioned to achieve ever greater reach, relevance and impact in the years and decades ahead. We have already taken significant steps toward that future, including our collaboration with the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the creation of our first Latino Gallery at NMAH, the multidisciplinary Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative, and a variety of projects that take full advantage of evolving digital technology.
Successful organizations also benefit from new voices and new ideas, so I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome two important additions to the Smithsonian: our new Regent, U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard of California, appointed by House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi in January, and our new director of the National Museum of American History, Anthea Hartig.
Finally, on a more personal note, some of you may have noticed that I haven’t been as visible in the Castle and our museums lately. I’ve been working from home while recuperating from surgery to my Achilles tendon. In the next few weeks, I expect to be up and about and making my way (slowly) to full mobility. I look forward to visiting with as many of you as possible in the coming months.
Thank you again for all you do for the Smithsonian.
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Posted: 11 February 2019
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