The Office of the Registrar is responsible for preserving all documentation on the provenance of works of art in the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden's (HMSG) collection. In addition, it is responsible for documenting, shipping, and inspecting all the art that the HMSG loans to other institutions or borrows from other collections for use in its own exhibitions.
Prior to acceptance of Joseph H. Hirshhorn's gift by the United States Congress, registrarial duties were managed by Abram Lerner. In 1968, Myron O'Higgins became the first Registrar. He was succeeded in 1969 by Thomas J. Girard. In 1970, James J. Elias and Frank Gettings served as Associate Registrars. In 1971, Sandra L. Pearson became Acting Registrar and later Registrar, serving 1972-1973. Nancy Sage served as Registrar 1973-1974. Douglas Robinson succeeded her, serving as Registrar, 1974-1996. Brian G. Kavanagh served as Acting Registrar and Chief Registrar, 1997- .
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Agency History. Record 221147
