Another Smithsonian Resignation and Musings on a "Future" That's Already Here

UPDATE: Eric Gibson has an insightful piece in today's Wall Street Journal about Small's failings and what needs to be done to improve the Smithsonian's governance here. (That piece mentions me.)

Cristián Samper, acting secretary of the Smithsonian Institution since the sudden resignation of Lawrence Small, already has his hands full: It was announced yesterday that he accepted the resignation of David Evans, the Smithsonian's under secretary for science, effective Apr. 21, and named Ira Rubinoff, director since 1974 of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, to be acting under secretary. "The Smithsonian will begin a search for a permanent replacement in the coming weeks," according to the announcement.

An oceanographer, Evans assumed his post in September 2002, during Lawrence Small's tenure. His purported reason for leaving seems a little thin. According to the Smithsonian's press release:

Evans noted that he has been speaking widely on a variety of science topics, and he has begun to outline a book.

"While it is with great affection for all of my colleagues and some reluctance, I feel that I must resign my position at the Smithsonian to adequately chart my own course.

Sounds like the start of a shake-up.

Meanwhile, as pundits begin to muse about how the Smithsonian should change under its new leadership, there have been calls echoing through the blogosphere (here and here) for a new program whereby the Smithsonian would systematically share its collections with audiences around the country.

How about the OLD program---the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), which for the last 55 years has been shipping exhibitions drawn from the Smithsonian's holdings to over 250 communities around the country each year?

Perhaps Richard Lacayo and Tyler Green have something more ambitious in mind. These relatively modest, low-cost packaged displays---consisting of collection objects, photographic images and interpretive text---go to museums, libraries, science centers, historical societies, community centers, botanical gardens, schools and even shopping malls. Back when I was "cultural programs chairman" for my children's school, I booked one of these offerings. But some of them are geared towards more illustrious institutions, including art museums.

A long list of past SITES exhibitions is here. Those currently available are here.