APPENDIX 1 
REPORT ON THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 
Str: I have the honor to submit the following report on the con- 
dition and operation of the National Museum for the fiscal year 
ended June 30, 1944. : 
Appropriations for the maintenance and operation of the National 
Museum for the year totaled $929,999, which was $37,369 more than 
for the previous year. 
THE MUSEUM IN WARTIME 
Visitors during the year numbered 1,532,765, an increase of 177,496 
over those of the previous fiscal year; approximately 40 percent of 
all visitors were men and women in uniform. 
Although the possibility of enemy attack on Washington became 
steadily less, measures for safeguard of visitors, collections, and build- 
ings were continued in force. The air-raid defense organization re- 
mained in operation under the direction of the general defense co- 
ordinator, F. M. Setzler, head curator of anthropology. Collections 
removed from the buildings as a precaution against enemy attack 
were inspected regularly, and careful guard was maintained over 
them. 
Asa result of a recommendation by the Smithsonian War Committee 
a free guide service through the National Museum for members of 
the armed forces was arranged through the U. 8. O. groups of Wash- 
ington. Under the direction of F. M. Setzler a route was estab- 
lished within the Natural History building and a script was pre- 
pared describing the exhibits selected for the tour. Classes for in- 
structing the volunteer hostesses were held on Sunday afternoons 
from August 22 to October 17, 1948, and during February 1944. On 
October 24 the first U. S. O. guide service for men and women in 
uniform was inaugurated. Tours were conducted each Sunday at 
15-minute intervals from 11 a. m. to 3:30 p. m. Each tour required 
approximately 45 minutes. From October 24, 1948, to June 25, 1944, 
5,825 military visitors were escorted through the building. Credit 
for the success of this service is due to the excellent cooperation of 
U. S. O. headquarters, to the chairman and head receptionist, Miss 
Margaret Bledsoe, and to other U. S. O. hostesses. 
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