BA/smith.pr        96-137                 Contact: Barbara Harr, 301-217-3926


COUNTY ANNOUNCES DEBUT
OF SMITHSONIAN CULTURAL PROGRAMS        For Immediate Release: April 15, 1996


     Montgomery County officials today welcomed a new addition to the local
cultural scene with the announcement of a series of Smithsonian Associates-
sponsored programs to be held in the County during the coming year.
     The series, which will feature noted speakers on contemporary topics, is
the result of a partnership between the Montgomery County Commission on the
Humanities, the Department of Public Libraries and Montgomery College, in
collaboration with The Smithsonian Associates (TSA).
     County officials and representatives from TSA and Montgomery College
made the announcement at a press conference in Rockville. 
     County Executive Douglas M. Duncan welcomed the Smithsonian presence and
said," .this is a red-letter day for the humanities in Montgomery County. 
The Smithsonian name personifies quality the world over, and we're honored 
that you've chosen Montgomery County."
     County Council member Betty Ann Krahnke said, "This innovative
partnership between the Smithsonian, our Humanties Commission and library, 
using the outstanding facilities at NIH and Montgomery College, exemplifies
the County Commission on the Humanities' motto: 'Helping our citizens lead
fuller lives, not just lives that are full.' 
     "It is truly an extraordinary opportunity for Montgomery County's
citizens," Krahnke said.
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COUNTY ANNOUNCES DEBUT .SMITHSONIAN                                   2-2-2-2
     Ron Wohl, chair of the Montgomery County Commission on the Humanities,
said, "We are proud of our new relationship with the Smithsonian and of all
the programs we are privileged to present to the residents and visitors in
Montgomery County."
     The Smithsonian Associates is the membership, cultural and continuing
education arm of the Smithsonian Institution.  Each year, TSA creates and
presents approximately 2,000 educational and cultural events. 
     "For 30 years, the Smithsonian's Resident Associate Program has offered
outstanding lectures by many of the cultural and intellectual leaders of our
time," said Mara Mayor, director of The Smithsonian Associates.  "Finding ways
to share these amazingly rich programs that we offer at the Smithsonian with
people who live beyond the beltway is a major goal of The Smithsonian
Associates.
     "We were interested in taking programs into the communities around DC,
but required a local partner with a demonstrated commitment to our educational
goals and powerful connections to local organizations."
     Mayor said, "We were exceptionally fortunate to find such a partner in
the Montgomery County Commission on the Humanities and look forward to working
with them to share the Smithsonian riches directly with the people of the
County."
     The first program, entitled "Reversing the Aging Process," will be held
on April 16 at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda.  Montgomery
College will host the second program on May 29, featuring Haynes Johnson and 
David Broder discussing "How the American Political System Has Corrupted
American Politics and Alienated Americans."
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COUNTY ANNOUNCES DEBUT...SMITHSONIAN                                3-3-3-3

     Representing Montgomery College President Robert E. Parilla, Percy
Thomas, provost of Continuing Education, said, "Montgomery College is pleased 
to join the Montgomery County Commission on the Humanities and the Montgomery
County Department of Public Libraries as a partner in bringing The Smithsonian
Associates to Montgomery County.
     "The College is looking forward to this partnership featuring a series
of outstanding informational and educational events which should be of
interest to all citizens.  It is fitting," Thomas said, "that as the College
celebrates its 50th anniversary, we join the Smithsonian in celebrating their
150th."
     Among subsequent programs scheduled at Montgomery College is a
discussion of "Election '96" by Jack Germond and Jules Witcover on June 24.
     Agnes Griffen, director of the County's Department of Public Libraries,
said, "I have special cause for celebration today. First, it's the beginning
of National Library Week, my favorite week of the year. And, second, I'm
delighted to join with the Humanities Commission and Montgomery College in
welcoming the richness of Smithsonian Associates programs into Montgomery
County."
     A book sale and signing follows each lecture.  There are general
admission tickets available for each event, in addition to an "affiliation"
discount for Resident Associates [of the Smithsonian], Friends of the
Humanities and individuals associated with the respective venues.
     For more information on programs, tickets, and prices, call 202-357-
3030, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
                                   # # #

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