National Museum of American History (U.S.). Office of Public Services.

In 1980 an Office of Public and Academic Programs was established at the National Museum of History and Technology, subsequently the National Museum of American History (NMAH). Josiah O. Hatch, a Special Assistant to the Director of the Museum, was assigned as Director of the Office. Hatch submitted reports for Public and Academic Programs to the Deputy Director of NMAH.

When the Smithsonian Institution's Division of Performing Arts was closed in 1983, part of its staff was reassigned to the Office of Public and Academic Programs. In 1984, the Office was reorganized as the Department of Public Programs. It included sections of exhibition production, education, the Program in Black American History, performances, publications, and the Office of Public Affairs. Hatch became its head as the Assistant Director for Public Programs. The next year, Lonn Taylor succeeded Hatch. In 1994 the office was renamed the Office of Public Services, and Harold A. Closter succeeded Taylor, serving 1995- .

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