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LECTURE
When Art Worked: Art, the New Deal, and Democracy
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Since the founding of the nation, art has created constituencies for the preservation of its most revered natural areas and places of historic and cultural significance. Art helped create the National Park System by drawing attention to places worthy of preservation – as examples of good stewardship – reminding the nation of its heritage. Roger Kennedy, former Director of the National Park Service, and Director Emeritus of the National Museum of American History, will discuss how the New Deal put the arts, including painting, music, theater, and architecture, to work and its influence on the development of the National Park Service.

Kennedy is the author of seventeen books, had two television series on the Discovery Channel, another on PBS, and a radio series on NBC. He has been awarded many honorary degrees, and is an honorary member of the American Association of Architects. From 1979 to 1992 he was Director (now Director Emeritus) of the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. From 1993 through 1997 he was Director of the National Park Service. more

Following the lecture, Roger Kennedy will sign books in the Interior Library.

Special Assistance – For those in need of special assistance (such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired) or inquiries regarding the handicapped entrance, please notify museum staff at (202) 208-4743 in advance of the program. Special needs will be accommodated whenever possible.

MUSEUM CLOSING
Two-year Modernization of Museum Facility
Friday, October 30, 2009

The U.S. Department of the Interior Museum will be closing Friday, October 30th for a two-year modernization project. Throughout the project, the Museum will continue to offer public programs at other locations in the Main Interior Building on the first Wednesday of every month and the Murals Tour by appointment. For more information or to schedule a Murals Tour call Diana Ziegler (202) 208-4743.

U.S. Department of the Interior Museum