Prior to 1974, individual curators within the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) were responsible for developing and coordinating exhibitions. In 1974, the Office of Exhibitions was established, and Beverly J. Cox was named Curator of Exhibitions and head of the Office.
The Office of Exhibitions is responsible for administering the Gallery's exhibition program. It sets the exhibition schedule, establishes contracts with guest curators and museums, negotiates loans, obtains photographs of exhibition items, serves as liaison with other Gallery offices on exhibition-related matters, and assists in the Gallery's development program.
Professional staff of the Office of Exhibitions have included: Beverly J. Cox, Curator of Exhibitions, 1974- ; Claire Kelly, Assistant Curator of Exhibitions, c.1986- ; and Liza D. Karvellas, Exhibition Coordinator, c.1996- .
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Agency History. Record 218125
