The Research and Scholars Center had its origin in the Office of Research and Professional Training, created by Director Joshua Charles Taylor in 1979, to embrace the Intern Program and the Fellows Programs of NMAA. About 1983 this office was split, with the Intern Program passing to the Museum Programs Division and the Fellows Program transferring to the Museum Resources Division as the Office of Research Support. In 1989 Director Elizabeth Broun reunited the two offices as the Research and Scholars Center, with Rachel M. Allen as Acting Chief, 1989, and Chief, 1990- 2001; and Christine Hennessey, Chief, 2002- .
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Agency History. Record 221217