Rebecca B. Clapp was the first Special Events Officer within the National Museum of History and Technology (NMHT), taking the position in 1975. She was succeeded by Geraldine E. Sanderson in 1976. In 1978 Sanderson's title was changed to Public Information Officer, still responsible for special events. When NMHT was renamed the National Museum of American History (NMAH) in 1980, the special events staff was separated from Public Affairs to become the Office of Special Events. Susan B. Beaudette was appointed Museum Program Coordinator for the Office, reporting to the Director of NMAH. The Office of Special Events was placed under the Office of External Affairs in 1986, which was renamed the Department of Public Services about 1995 and was transferred to the Department of Capital Campaign and External Affairs about 1998.
The Office of Special Events is primarily responsible for planning exhibition openings, symposia, award presentations, musical and dance performances, official ceremonies, and is involved in the Folklife Festival and the Doubleday Lecture Series.
Staff have included Rebecca B. Clapp, Special Events Officer, 1975; Geraldine E. Sanderson, Special Events Officer, 1976-1977, Public Information Officer, 1978-1980; Susan B. Beaudette, Museum Program Coordinator, 1981-1985; Anne Walton, Special Events Assistant, 1983-1987; Renee Kortum, Museum Support Manager, 1985; Anne Spivak, Special Events Coordinator, 1988-1991; Bee Gee Thompson, Special Events Coordinator, 1992-1998; and Elizabeth Little, Special Events Coordinator, 1988- .
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Agency History. Record 221193
