SECRETARY'S REPORT 35 



rials. Kestoration of a number of fossil fishes and tetrapods has been 

 completed for the exhibit series. 



Work began on the renovation of the graphic-arts exhibits illustrat- 

 ing the history and methods of fine printmaking. Arrangements were 

 made with prominent artists for exhibits illustrating the history and 

 methods of printmaking. A number of important prints by some of 

 the earlier artists were acquired for the exhibit series. Exhibits on 

 camera lenses, instantaneous photography, and camera shutters were 

 installed in the refurbished photography gallery. This gallery is also 

 utilized as a photographic-print salon for special exhibitions of the 

 work of present-day photographers. 



The new Hall of Health is nearing completion. Plans for the 

 modernized textile hall have been completed. Improvements have 

 been made in the automobile hall. A rearrangement of reconditioned 

 time-keeping instruments has greatly improved the attractiveness of 

 this exhibit. 



Work on an exhibit illustrating the history of the United States 

 Army was advanced by the installation of weapons, models, and dio- 

 ramas. Progress was made on the renovation of the exhibit comprised 

 chiefly of the New England Copp family collections of household 

 furnishings and personal effects. More than 100 exhibition frames of 

 stamps were renovated. Special exhibits comprising old campaign 

 buttons, torchlights, parade costumes, election souvenirs, banners, in- 

 augural medals and inaugural programs were arranged for display at 

 the time of the national elections and the presidential inauguration. 



Eight exhibition halls had been completed for viewing by the visit- 

 ing public at the close of the fourth year of the continuing program for 

 the modernization of the Smithsonian exhibits. Following prepara- 

 tion of the original narrative scripts and selection of objects by the 

 curators, the museum's exhibits designers and preparators, in consulta- 

 tion with the curators involved, design the hall layouts and construct 

 the individual exhibits. As many as 50 topics have been presented in 

 one exhibition hall. That the modernization program has proceeded 

 smoothly and effectively is shown by the encouraging public response 

 to these new exhibits. 



The educational program of volunteer docent guide service con- 

 ducted with the cooperative assistance of the Junior League of Wash- 

 ington for the benefit of the schoolchildren of Greater Washington, 

 was continued with success. The work remains under the immediate 

 supervision of Frank M. Setzler, head curator of the department of 

 anthropology, together with Mrs. Eobert Nelson and Mrs. Alexander 

 Chilton, of the Junior League, who helped to organize the program 

 and made the arrangements with the teachers for the docent service. 



