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The Archives of the History of American Psychology has been accepted into the prestigious Smithsonian Institution Affiliations program. Smithsonian Affiliations offers museums across the country the opportunity to have greater access to Smithsonian collections and resources. The Psychology Archives is the first archives to be granted affiliate status.
Since the Smithsonian Affiliations program was established in 1997, the Smithsonian has established partnerships with more than more than 120 affiliates in 34 states, plus Panama, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Unlike traditional museum loan programs that place artifacts on loan for periods normally less than a year, the Smithsonian Affiliations program permits the long-term loan of artifacts. In addition, the program allows affiliates to incorporate Smithsonian collections in more than one format, allowing more of the Institution's estimated 142 million objects to be seen. "The Affiliations program is a very effective way for the Smithsonian Institution to reach beyond the geographical limits of its own museums," said Michael Carrigan, Director of Smithsonian Affiliations. As a Smithsonian affiliate the Archives of the History of American Psychology may integrate Smithsonian artifacts and collections into their exhibitions, educational initiatives, and research programs. Smithsonian Secretary Lawrence M. Small has been a major proponent of the Affiliations program. "The circumstances are perfect for a win-win situation," said Secretary Small. "Museums around the country have an abundance of the one resource we're short of - display space. At the same time, because many of the museums are new and seek to expand and create new exhibits, they lack the very resource we have in abundance - objects." In addition to borrowing objects from the Smithsonian's collections, the Psychology Archives will have the opportunity to utilize outreach services offered by the Smithsonian Institution. |