SECRETARY'S REPORT 209 



The curator of the Index of American Design took part again in 

 the orientation program of USIA personnel and delivered 8 lectures 

 to approximately 251 people on American folk art. He also delivered 

 five lectures to school and club groups. Dr. Evans conducted a series 

 of 45 television lectures on the history of painting. 



MAINTENANCE OF BUILDING AND GROUNDS 



The Gallery building, mechanical equipment, and grounds were 

 maintained at the established standards throughout the year. 



A new security system, protecting all exterior entrances and exits, 

 was installed jointly by the Gallery staff and the Federal Engineering 

 Co. This system provides for the sounding of an alarm in the Na- 

 tional Gallery of Art Guard Office simultaneously with the sounding 

 of an alarm at the Federal Engineering Co. headquarters, should any 

 of the exterior doors, windows, or exterior ducts be opened dui'ing 

 specified periods. 



Specially designed acoustic tile was installed in the compressor 

 room to lower the sound level as a protection for the hearing of em- 

 ployees working in that area. 



An additional sprinkler system, tied in with the ADT alarm system, 

 was installed in the unfinished area, G-15, on the ground floor. 



The Gallery greenhouse continued to produce flowering and foliage 

 plants in quantities sufficient for all decorative needs of special open- 

 ings and day-to-day requirements of the Garden Courts. 



The planting of zoysia grasses in exposed lawns and parking strips 

 continued. After experimentally determining that Emerald zoysia is 

 apparently hardy under Gallery conditions, the planting of this strain 

 is being undertaken in all areas which were not previously planted 

 with Meyer zoysia or zoysia matrella. 



LECTOUR 



The Gallery's electronic guide system, Lectour, was increased by 

 over 50 percent in September 1961, when 11 new rooms were added 

 to the 20 already wired for broadcast. This additional equipment 

 makes it possible for the first time for visitors to have the benefit of 

 Lectour in the Gallery's collection of decorative art on the ground 

 floor. 



During the fiscal year 1962 Lectour was used by 87,736 visitors. 



Lectour broadcasts were prepared for the special exhibitions of the 

 Kress Gift to the Nation, Eakins Eetrospective Exhibition, and 

 English Drawings and Water Colors. 



OTHER ACTIVITIES 



Forty Sunday evening Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation concerts 

 were given in the East Garden court. The National Gallery of Art 



