SMITHSONIAN BACKS AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM PLANS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 9, 1992                   TAG: 9202070120
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JACQUELINE TRESCOTT
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium
SMITHSONIAN BACKS AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM PLANS
The board of regents of the Smithsonian Institution last week endorsed congressional legislation that establishes the National African American Museum within the Smithsonian. The legislation also seeks up to $5 million for the museum project.
The co-sponsors, Sen. Paul Simon, D-Ill., and Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., are asking for an initial $750,000 to determine the extent of renovation needed on the museum's home, the Arts and Industries Building, and to continue the Smithsonian staff's examination of collections for the museum. The fiscal 1993 budget submitted by the Smithsonian includes $710,000 for the planning.
The Smithsonian's action was the third time the regents have endorsed the congressional approach to what has been a controversial effort. "We see going forward with [the Congress]," said Smithsonian Secretary Robert McC. Adams.
Both Simon and Lewis expressed gratitude that the Smithsonian restated its commitment. "Few thought we could come this far this fast," said Simon. "We've tried to move this project forward by a process of consensus, and we want that pattern to hold throughout the legislative process." Added Lewis, "I am thrilled to see the museum so close to fruition."
The legislation is expected to be submitted to the Senate Rules Committee this month, and if Congress approves it, the search will begin for a board, a director and the collections to be purchased. The Smithsonian said the museum could open as early as 1996.
The development of the museum has been marked by lively public debate about the purpose of an African American museum and the treatment of African American material, ideas and people by the Smithsonian.
One persistent question, raised by Tom Mack, a Washington businessman credited with originating the idea, and others, has been the control of the museum. The legislation clearly gives the Smithsonian the edge, calling for the institution to have authority over the museum's board. It will have 23 members, including the Smithsonian secretary and one assistant secretary. The other members will be appointed by the Smithsonian Regents and will include nine individuals who have been nominated by a spectrum of black advisers and organizations. An earlier stipulation that the majority should be blacks has been dropped.
Mack said the Smithsonian's domination of the museum is unacceptable. "I think an African American heritage museum should be controlled by descendants of slaves, not by the descendants of slaveholders. I feel one's history is much too precious to put into the hands of someone with a despicable history of race relations."
Another controversial issue raised in the discussion of the museum has been its impact on smaller regional black museums. It was suggested that a trust be established to protect those institutions from the Smithsonian museum's potential to drain material and resources.
The establishment of a trust was included in early drafts of the legislation but now, supporters say, the issue will be discussed in the reauthorization of the Institute of Museum Services.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB