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BBHC partners with Smithsonian, will share exhibits
By Anthony McConnell
This document was published online on Monday, June 23, 2008
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| Bruce Eldredge (left), executive director/CEO of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, talks with Laura Hansen, regional coordinator for the Smithsonian Institution’s affiliate program, and Bob Pickering, deputy director of the BBHC, during Friday’s announcement that the BBHC is associated with the Smithsonian Institution. (Photo by Ken Blackbird) |
For many years the Buffalo Bill Historical Center has been known as “The Smithsonian of the West.”
That nickname almost resulted in a lawsuit, said BBHC board chairman Al Simpson, who once served on the Smithsonian Board of Regents.
“I told them we didn't call it that - James Michener did - and if you have a problem with it you can go dig him up,” Simpson said with a laugh. “It never really came up again after that.”
On Friday Michener's statement became fact when Smithsonian Affiliations Coordinator Laura Hansen announced that the BBHC is now a Smithsonian Affiliate.
“I'm pleased to welcome you into the Smithsonian Affiliates Program,” Hansen told BBHC trustees. “This is the start of a great collaboration and partnership between our two institutions.”
Through the program the BBHC will be able to bring exhibits and artifacts from the Smithsonian to Cody and the Smithsonian and its 158 affiliates will be able to borrow artifacts from the BBHC.
“This is a two-way street,” Hansen said. “In this program's 12 years our affiliates have borrowed more than 7,000 artifacts from the Smithsonian.”
All objects in the Smithsonian's collection are available for long-term loan, including the Apollo 13 space capsule, objects from Hollywood, photos and artwork.
Hansen said the program was started as part of the museum's 150th anniversary.
“Only about 3 percent of our collection is on display,” Hansen said. “We started this to get that collection out to the American people where it belongs.”
The BBHC is the first museum in Wyoming to be added to the affiliates program, which includes institutions in 40 states and two territories.
“Being a Smithsonian Affiliate gives us access to all kinds of resources - objects, exhibits, specialists - that can help us provide even better exhibits and programs to our audiences,” BBHC Deputy Director Bob Pickering said.
Pickering first approached the Smithsonian about the BBHC becoming an affiliate.
“He deserves the credit for this,” BBHC Executive Director Bruce Eldredge added.
Hansen said the Smithsonian doesn't seek out affiliates, but instead waits for prospective institutions to approach them.
“We were aware of the historical center,” Hansen said. “It's really a treasure.
“This is the first time I've been here and it's much larger than I thought. It's one thing to see it on paper and another to be here,” she added. “I can see many collaborations coming out of this.”
In addition to object loans, affiliates receive a wide range of benefits including the Smithsonian Magazine and educational programs. The Smithsonian and its affiliates also share staff expertise in the areas of conservation, collections care and exhibition development.
For more information about the Smithsonian, visit www.si.edu.
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