The Birthday Party's success depended on the carefully 

 orchestrated efforts of many different organizations within the 

 Smithsonian. More than 250 officers from the Office of 

 Protection Services provided around-the-clock security 

 support, many working extra shifts. In the early morning 

 hours, staff from the Horticulture Services Division 

 supervised the placement of greenery to create an inviting 

 setting on the Mall. In anticipation of the Smithsonian bell 

 raising, the Design and Construction Division had conducted 

 a structural engineering assessment to ensure that the bell 

 would have no negative impact on the Castle building. Staff 

 from the Office of Imaging, Printing, and Photographic 

 Services and the Office of Telecommunications were on hand 

 to document the weekend's activities for publication and for 

 posterity. 



The Institution's volunteer tradition was a great asset this 

 year, as our volunteers extended their contributions of time and 

 expertise to help with many anniversary projects. During the 

 August 10 and 11 celebration, nearly 1,500 volunteers worked on 

 special events and staffed museum and research institute pavilions, 

 information and membership booths, and museum information 

 desks. Many Smithsonian employees also contributed their time 

 on that weekend. As "America's Smithsonian" toured the 

 country, the Institution reached into local communities to recruit 

 and train volunteers who greeted visitors, processed tickets, 

 provided general information, and escorted school groups. In 

 Providence, the exhibition's fourth destination, a record-breaking 

 700 people were trained as volunteers. 



Occurring in the same year as Smithsonian staff faced the 

 challenge of two unprecedented government shutdowns, the 

 annivetsary was a welcome chance to renew a feeling of 

 community and to recognize the commitment of our 

 employees. One hundred fifty "Unsung Heroes," nominated 

 by their coworkers for outstanding service, were honored in 

 four ceremonies, and a plaque with their names now hangs in 

 the Castle. The ceremonies were coordinated by the 150th 

 Anniversary Community Committee and the Ombudsman. 

 Across the Institution, monthly open houses gave staff the 

 opportunity to explore the workplaces of their colleagues in other 

 organizations. Planned by the Community Committee, these 

 informal group tours and discussions were coordinated by the 

 Office of Human Resources and the Office of the Ptovost. 



Anniversary Merchandise Promotion 



Commemorative coins and a commemotative stamp headed 

 the list of collectible items created in conjunction with the 

 150th anniversary. The U.S. Mint introduced limited edition 



silver dollar and gold $5 commemorative coins, available for 

 one year. A portion of the sales proceeds goes to the 

 Smithsonian's National Numismatic Collection in the 

 National Museum of American History. The coins are 

 marketed through the Museum Shops and the Smithsonian 

 Catalogue. The Castle and the Arts and Industries Building 

 are shown on the 32-cent postal stamp, issued by the United 

 States Postal Service on February 7. 



The anniversary theme was front and center in the shops, 

 mail order catalogue, and merchandise advertising 

 throughout the year. The Museum Shops designed bags, 

 merchandise cards and tags, signage, banners, and window 

 displays carrying the 150th annivetsary logo. Special events 

 and merchandise promotions captured the excitement of 

 annivetsary events. Product Development and Licensing 

 developed a range of collectible merchandise with the 150th 

 anniversary logo offered through the catalogue and the shops. 

 The selections included a necktie and a Women's Committee 

 commemorative scarf, a print of the Castle by artist G. 

 Harvey, men's and women's watches, t-shirts, caps, tote bags, 

 a sweatshirt, and gift items such as mugs, magnets, Christmas 

 ornaments, and bookmarks. 



For "America's Smithsonian," the Museum Shops 

 designed, installed, and operated a 10,000-square-foot shop 

 that opened with the exhibition in Los Angeles. As the 

 exhibition travels, staff continue to consult on shop design, 

 merchandise selection, and installation. During the Birthday 

 Party on the Mall, three successful sales tents carried 

 anniversary products. 



An Institution of Partnerships 



As these highlights confirm, the Smithsonian's 150th 

 anniversary celebration was quite an accomplishment — for 

 Smithsonian employees and volunteers and for our corporate 

 and community partners. In our internal partnerships, we 

 engaged in dialogue across organizations and gained renewed 

 respect for one another's roles. We learned to be adaptable, to 

 embrace a variety of perspectives, and above all, to transcend 

 the traditional boundaries of our thinking. Out external 

 partnerships also broadened our horizons, as we discovered 

 how |Oint endeavors with the ptivate sector and with 

 communities can sttengthen our capacity to share the 

 Smithsonian with all Americans. We conclude this 

 momentous year with the realization that we are indeed an 

 institution of partnerships — dynamic, creative working 

 partnerships that will guide us with confidence through the 

 Institution's next 150 years. 



