34 ANNTJAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITIJTION, 195 



INDEX OF AMERICAN DESIGN 



During the fiscal year, 108 examples from the Index were reproduced 

 in publications, and 719 examples were borrowed for use in forthcoming 

 publications. More than 1,100 photographs of the Index were sent 

 out for use by designers, for research and study, and for publicity. 

 The Index material was studied by 468 persons, 399 of whom were 

 new users. Three hundred and thirty-nine slides were circulated for 

 use in lectures. A total of 2,057 Index plates were sent out for ex- 

 hibition and publication purposes during the fiscal year 1950. 



CONSTRUCTION OF NEW GALLERIES AND OFFICES 



In keeping with the recommendation of the Committee on the 

 Building and the Board of Trustees, a contract was entered into 

 on June 19. 1949, for the completion of 12 galleries in the east end of 

 the building. Eight of these galleries were completed in time to be 

 used for the Sesqui centennial exhibition, "Makers of History in 

 Washington, 1800-1950." The remaining four were completed by 

 July 15, 1950. A similar contract was entered into on March 10, 

 1950, for the completion of five offices and a slide storage room in 

 the west wing on the ground floor. Work is progressing satisfactorily, 

 and it is contemplated that this project will be completed by early fall. 



CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE BUILDING 



The Gallery building and grounds, and the mechanical equipment, 

 were maintained throughout the year at the high standard established 

 in the past. Among the nonrecurring and unusual items were the 

 construction of a 48-foot cold frame to increase facilities for growing 

 plants for the garden courts; the construction of bases and pedestals 

 for exhibition material of the Austrian exhibition; construction of 

 additional exhibition facilities for the Bliss exhibit; complete over- 

 hauling and realigning of air-conditioning refrigeration machine 

 No. 3; and the construction of storage facilities on the 81-foot level. 



COMMITTEE OF EXPERT EXAMINERS 



The United States Civil Service Commission's Committee of Expert 

 Examiners, composed of staff members of the Gallery, graded the 

 Museum Art Specialist examination papers. Registers of eligibles 

 were established, and appointments made therefrom. 



OTHER ACTIVITIES 



Forty-five Sunday evening concerts were given in the East Garden 

 Court during the fiscal year. Two Saturday afternoon concerts were 

 given in the lecture hall, thus making a total of 47 musical perform- 

 ances at the Gallery this year. The Seventh Annual Music Festival 



