Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service

Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Established in 1952, it is the primary outreach arm of the Smithsonian Institution, dedicated to sharing the institution's vast collections and research with audiences beyond the National Mall. Known by its acronym SITES, the service develops, manages, and tours a wide array of traveling exhibitions to museums, libraries, science centers, and community venues across the United States and internationally. Its mission is to inspire lifelong learning and foster public engagement with art, history, and science through accessible, high-quality exhibitions.

History and establishment

The service was founded in 1952 under the leadership of its first director, Myrna H. P. Smoot, as a direct response to the post-World War II cultural boom and a growing national demand for access to the Smithsonian Institution's resources. Its creation was championed by then Secretary Leonard Carmichael, who envisioned a program to extend the institution's educational impact. Early operations were modest, often involving small photographic displays and artifact reproductions shipped via rail and postal services to venues like public libraries and school auditoriums. A significant early milestone was the 1954 exhibition "The Family of Man," adapted from the landmark Museum of Modern Art show, which toured extensively and set a precedent for SITES' role in bringing major cultural narratives to broad audiences. Over decades, its mandate expanded significantly, supported by key legislation like the Museum and Library Services Act and partnerships with entities such as the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Exhibition development and themes

Exhibition development is a collaborative, scholarly process involving Smithsonian curators, external subject experts, and community advisors. Themes are drawn from the vast holdings of Smithsonian museums like the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of Natural History, as well as from current research initiatives. SITES produces exhibitions across several core thematic areas: American history and culture, as seen in shows about the Civil Rights Movement or Industrial Revolution; scientific discovery, covering topics from NASA exploration to biodiversity; and the arts, featuring works from the National Portrait Gallery or the Smithsonian American Art Museum. A key focus is creating modular, flexible exhibitions that can adapt to diverse venue sizes and budgets, often incorporating high-quality reproductions, interactive digital components, and bilingual text to enhance accessibility and engagement for all age groups.

Operations and logistics

The operational backbone of SITES involves meticulous planning for nationwide and international tour scheduling, climate-controlled shipping, and detailed installation guides. Exhibitions are typically booked years in advance by a network of hundreds of host venues, including the Exploratorium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and local historical societies. Logistics are managed by specialized registrars and project managers who coordinate with fine art shippers like FedEx and oversee custom-designed crating for artifacts and fragile reproductions. The service provides extensive support packages to host venues, including marketing templates, educational curricula aligned with state standards like the Common Core State Standards Initiative, and training for local docents. Funding is secured through a mix of federal appropriations to the Smithsonian Institution, corporate sponsorships from partners like PepsiCo and Bank of America, and rental fees from host institutions.

Impact and reach

SITES has had a profound impact on American cultural life, serving millions of visitors in communities often geographically distant from major cultural capitals. By the early 21st century, it had reached over 30 million people through more than 1,500 exhibitions presented in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as internationally in countries like Canada, Japan, and Mexico. Its programs are particularly vital for rural and underserved urban areas, providing access to museum-quality content that would otherwise be unavailable. The service also plays a critical role in professional development for the museum field, offering training and resources that build capacity for local institutions. Its educational outreach, often tied to exhibitions, has been recognized by awards from the American Alliance of Museums and has influenced public understanding of complex topics from climate change to social justice.

Notable exhibitions

Throughout its history, SITES has organized and toured many influential exhibitions. "A More Perfect Union: Japanese Americans and the U.S. Constitution" (1987) examined the internment during World War II and toured for nearly a decade. "Ocean Planet," developed in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, traveled to over 70 venues in the 1990s, raising awareness about marine conservation. "Baseball as America" (2002-2007), drawing from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, explored the sport's cultural significance. More recent notable tours include "The Art of the Brick" featuring sculptures by Nathan Sawaya made from LEGO bricks, and "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America," a key offering of the Smithsonian Institution's "Museum on Main Street" program designed for small-town venues. These exhibitions exemplify SITES' ability to translate scholarly research into compelling public experiences.

Category:Smithsonian Institution Category:Museum organizations Category:Traveling exhibitions