132 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1948 
help in conditioning and mounting several aircraft engines, and the 
engineering branch of the Bolling Field Air Force Base dismantled, 
moved, and assembled the Curtiss Racer R3C-2 for reexhibition in the 
Museum’s aeronautical hall. 
Lectures.—The curator gave the following lectures: 
October 22, Optimists’ Club of Arlington, Va.: National Air Museum’s progress 
and plans. 
January 21, a group of grade-school teachers at the Air Museum: Significance 
of the collections to school groups. 
February 18, a group of 22 Turkish aviators: Tour of the collections. 
March 20, a broadcast over station WGAY: The Air Museum’s place in aero- 
nautical education. 
March 24, the Civil Aeronautics Club: The history of aeronautics. 
March 31, the Civil Aeronautics Club: Tour of the collections. 
May 21, Women Flyers’ Club of Berkeley, Calif.: The National Air Museum’s 
program. 
May 80, Oakland Airport, Calif.: Plans for the National Air Museum. 
June 6, Los Gatos, Calif., at the home of Robert Fowler (first to fly across the 
United States, eastward, 1911): Representations of “Early Birds” in the na- 
tional collections. 
June 11, Aviation Committee of the Bay Area, San Francisco: Representa- 
tions of California airmen in the National Air Museum. 
The associate curator gave one broadcast, as follows: 
June 8, a broadcast over station WOL: The famous B-29 bomber Hnola Gay. 
SURVEY 
In accord with the Advisory Board’s motion, which inaugurated an 
extensive survey to locate desirable aeronautic materials, much cura- 
torial time was devoted to: first, research to decide what items should 
be added to the collection; second, extensive correspondence to inves- 
tigate availability, condition, and arrange procurement; third, meet- 
ings at the Air Museum with prospective donors; and fourth, visits 
to locate, examine, and receive material. The results of successful 
surveys are shown in the list of accessions. 
Very helpful information on the condition of foreign aeronautical 
collections, and a number of leads for procurement of objects, resulted 
from a trip abroad by Mr. Loening, Board member, during August 
and September. The thorough manner in which he inspected mu- 
seums, and the report, photographs, and catalogs which he brought 
back enabled the staff to gain a first-hand impression of the extent of 
air exhibits in England, France, and, to a certain extent, in Germany. 
ACCESSIONS 
The following listing of 45 accessions and 830 objects constitutes 
the largest lot of aeronautical acquisitions recorded in any year of the 
Smithsonian’s history. 
