In 1993 the Smithsonian Libraries created the S. Dillon Ripley Library Endowment to celebrate the 80th birthday of one of the Institution's greatest leaders.

As the eighth Secretary of the Smithsonian, Dillon Ripley inaugurated an era of scientific research and museum exhibitions that would bring the Institution closer to the American public.

His energy and vision led to the acquisition and study of thousands of new museum objects and specimens, and to the opening of new museums and galleries, including the Anacostia Museum, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of American Art, National Portrait Gallery, Renwick Gallery, and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.

Secretary Ripley also created new membership programs, the Folklife Festival, and Smithsonian magazine.

For more information:

Catherine Fraser
Development Director
Smithsonian Institution Libraries
NHB Room 24 MZ
Washington, DC 20560-0154
Email- FraserC@si.edu
Telephone- 202.633.2875
Fax- 202.786.2866