Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
Archives related to: Richman, Fred
| title | Record Unit 634 - National Museum of African Art, Office of the Director, Records, circa 1964-1984 | repository | National Museum of African Art |
| description | These records consist mostly of the correspondence of Warren H. Robbins, which documents activities of NMAfA since its inception. Also included are some correspondence and memoranda of Jean M. Salan, John E. Reinhardt, and David L. Stratmon, a previous Associate Director of MAA. The correspondence is with government officials of African nations,African art dealers, agencies of the United States government, individual benefactors of NMAfA, African American artists, university professors, and others; and concerns donations, specimen acquisition and loans, planning of exhibitions, conservation of permanent collections, grants, scholarly research, and publications. National Museum of African Art - Agency History: In 1964 a privately-funded Museum of African Art (MAA) was established by Warren H. Robbins, a former American foreign service officer, at the Frederick Douglass house in Washington, D.C. Robbins served as first Director of MAA, which mounted exhibitions of traditional African artwork and developed educational programs to foster public insight and appreciation of the cultures and artistic achievements of Africa. When MAA became a bureau of the Smithsonian Institution on August 13, 1979, its collections included some eight thousand objects of African sculpture, costumes, textiles, musical instruments, and jewelry; numerous books on African culture and history; early maps of Africa; educational materials; and photographs, slides, and film segments on African art, society, and environment bequeathed to the Museum by world-renowned photographer Eliot Elisofon. In 1981 MAA was renamed the National Museum of African Art (NMAfA). On September 28, 1987, NMAfA moved into its new quarters in the Quadrangle complex on the National Mall. Warren M. Robbins served as Director of NMAfA until 1982, when he resigned to become Senior Scholar and Founding Director Emeritus of the Museum. Other Directors of NMAfA have included John E. Reinhardt, Acting Director, 1982-1983; Sylvia H. Williams, Director, 1983-1996; and Roslyn A. Walker, Director, 1997- . National Museum of African Art, Office of the Director - Agency History: The Museum of African Art became part of the Smithsonian Institution in 1979, acquiring its present name in 1981. Its directors have been Warren M. Robbins, 1979-1981, and Founding Director Emeritus, 1992- ; John E. Reinhardt, Acting Director, 1981-1982; Sylvia H. Williams, 1983-1996; Patricia L. Fiske, Acting Director, 1996; and Roslyn A. Walker, 1997- . 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. |
| extent | See repository for details |
| formats | |
| access | Contact repository for restrictions and policies. |
| record source | http://siarchives.si.edu/findingaids/FARU0634.HTM |
| finding aid | online and in repository |
| updated | 03/16/2023 10:29:55 |
| .................................................................... | |