Nov

Today in Smithsonian History: November 28, 1989

Ninth Smithsonian Secretary (1984-1994) Robert McCormick Adams, signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Museum of American Indian, Heye Foundation, transferring its superb collection of American Indian artifacts to the Smithsonian. Looking on, left to right: Suzan Harjo, member of board of trustees, Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, New York City; Roland Force, director MAI; Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI), chief supporter of legislation to create NMAI; Dick Baker, member Lakota Sioux Red Feather Society; Rep. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (D-CO), the only American Indian member of Congress. (Photo by Laurie Minor-Penland, as featured in the Torch, September 1994)

November 28, 1989 President George H.W. Bush signs legislation to establish the National Museum of the American Indian, to be located on the National Mall between the National Air and Space Museum and the U.S. Capitol. The Museum is scheduled to open in the mid- to late 1990s. The legislation also describes Smithsonian policy on the repatriation of American Indian human remains and associated funerary objects. The legislation also establishes the George Gustav Heye Center in the Alexander Hamilton Customs House in New York City and provides for a storage, conservation, and research facility at the Museum Support Center in Suitland, Maryland.