132 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1933 



bronze coins struck in the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco 

 Mints during 1932. 



Two bronze copies of the medal of award of the United States 

 George Washington Bicentennial Commission, 1932, were presented 

 by the commission. The directors of the French Mint presented an 

 exceptionally artistic medal commemorating the tercentennial anni- 

 versary of the birth of Benedict Spinoza. A special collection of 186 

 British medals commemorating the exploits of Admiral Edward Ver- 

 non, R.N., during his expedition against the Spanish possessions in 

 the Caribbean Sea, 1739-41, was lent for temporary exhibition by 

 L. McCormick-Goodhart. 



A number of additions were made to the collection of military deco- 

 rations. From the War Department came two examples of the 

 recently reestablished United States military decoration, the Purple 

 Heart. From the New Mexico National Guard, through Maj. Fred- 

 erick R. Lafferty, the Museum received two examples of the long- 

 service medal and drill-attendance medal of the type awarded to 

 members of that guard. Six mihtary decorations and six exquisitely 

 executed miniatures of these decorations, all owned during the World 

 War by Maj. Gen. George M. Burr, were presented by Mrs. Lydia 

 K. Burr. 



The philatelic collections were increased by 3,971 specimens received 

 from the Post Office Department, including examples of many United 

 States and foreign commemorative stamps of more than the usual 

 historical interest. 



INSTALLATION AND PRESERVATION OF COLLECTIONS 



The transfer of historical materials from the Natural History 

 Building to the Arts and Industries Building has comphcated the 

 problem of adequate space and furniture, but the arrangement has 

 been greatly improved by the transfer. The art material has offered 

 the greatest difficulties, as it is difficult to arrange busts, portraits, and 

 historic scenes in a satisfactory manner owing to the architectural 

 features of the walls of the building. Part of the collection of busts is 

 shown on the tops of wall cases. 



The only series of paintings now shown with entire success is the 

 Ferris collection of American historical subjects for which special 

 alcoves were provided 2 years ago. This collection makes a splendid 

 showing and harmonizes well with the costumes material exhibited in 

 the same hall. 



The antiquarian material has been united and now includes a fine 

 series of china, glass, silverware, and furniture relating to the develop- 

 ment of the American home from about 1750 to 1850. The pieces of 

 greatest importance are those associated with noted personages of 

 American history, and material of this character is given the most 



