The Department of Education was part of the Historian's Office from 1969 until 1971. It became a separate entity in 1971 when James R. Vivian, III, was appointed Curator of Education. He was succeeded by Dennis A. O'Toole, who served from 1972 through 1978. In January 1979, Ken Yellis was appointed Curator of Education and served in that capacity through c. 1988. Additional staff included: Robert N. Works, Assistant Curator of Education, 1969-1970; Ruth Hill, Education Program Coordinator, 1982- ; Jewell Robinson, Public Program Director, 1993- ; and Leni Buff, 1975- , Acting Chief/Curator of Education, c.1988- .
The Department of Education is responsible for preparing educational materials and organizing exhibitions related to the history of the United States, its culture, biography, and the history of the art of portraiture, as reflected in the collections of the National Portrait Gallery. The department interacts with elementary and secondary-school students, senior citizens, handicapped persons, and daily Gallery visitors. Information is disseminated through educational outreach programs, Gallery tours, and public programs in order to address the full range of American history and portraiture, and to reach the widest possible audience.
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Agency History. Record 218122
