Educational functions have been performed by the National Air and Space Museum since its beginning. In 1976-1977 an Education Officer served under the Presentations and Education Division. In 1978 an Education Division was created. From 1980 to 1982 the position was titled Education Services Division and then reverted to Education Division, from 1983 to 1985. A Special Assistant for Education served in 1985. An Office of Education existed, 1986-1996. An Educational Services Unit was created in 1997. It was renamed the Education Unit about 1998 . The unit is responsible for providing programs and publications for students, teachers, and family visitors. It offers online activities, family programs, publications of various kinds, teacher workshops, and volunteer opportunities.
R. Lynn Bondurant was Education Officer, 1976-1977. Kerry M. Joels was Chief, Education Division, 1978-1979; Janet K. Wolfe was Chief, Educational Services Division, 1980-1982, and Chief, Education Divison, 1983-1984. Joels was Special Assistant for Education, 1985. Kasse Andrews-Weller was Chief, 1986-1988, as was Jan McColl, 1989-1990. Ellen Sprouls was Special Assistant for Education, 1991-1992. In 1993 there were three Program Coordinators: Educational Products, Carolyn Schmidt; Professional Training, Lynne Schaffer; and Student Services, Myra Banks. In 1994 the posts seem to have been vacant. In 1995 and 1996 Chief of Formal Education was Maureen Kerr, while Jo Hinkel was Chief of Informal Education. Kerr served as Supervisor of the Educational Services Unit, 1997, and the Education Unit, 1998- .
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Agency History. Record 229292
