The Museum made history on January 16 as Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lawrence M. Small, United States Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow, and Museum Chair John E. Herzog inaugurated a new financial markets tradition at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square. They were the first to ceremonially transition the Nasdaq from the close of the regular trading day to the opening of extended trading hours -- only moments after Secretary Small designated the Museum an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
Historic first-time transition of the Nasdaq stock market by (left to right) J. Patrick Campbell, President of Nasdaq U.S. Markets; John E. Herzog, Museum Board Chair; the Honorable Mary Ellen Withrow, Treasurer of the United States; and Lawrence M. Small, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, on the occasion of the announcement of the Museum's affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution.
"We are honored to have Secretary Small and Mr. Herzog be the first to presideover the first Nasdaq Market Transition and wish the Smithsonian Institution and the Museum of American Financial History much success in their affiliation. It is certainly noteworthy that two fine organizations with a tradition of studying history are today making market history," said J. Patrick Campbell, President of Nasdaq U.S.
The Smithsonian Affiliations program was designed to draw museums closer tothe Smithsonian -- and draw the Smithsonian closer to America -- by sharing theInstitution's collections and resources. Small, a Wall Street veteran who served nineyears as President and COO of Fannie Mae and 27 years at Citicorp/Citibank, hasmade the affiliations program a top priority since his installation as Secretary of the Smithsonian in January 2000.
I
am pleased to announce the Smithsonian's new affiliations agreement with
the Museum of American Financial History, the nation's only museum dedicated
to teachingthe lessons of financial history," said Secretary Small. "Working
together, we will tell the stories of our nation's financial past and
help today's citizens take control of their financial future. Working
together, we will enhance every American's understanding of our economic
system -- why it is the most successful in the world and how it forms
the foundation of our democracy."
The Museum of American Financial History inaugurated its Smithsonian affiliation with the installation of "The Artistry of African Currency," an exhibition curated by the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art and sponsored by Investec Ernst& Company, a South Africa-based investment firm, in its Financial District gallery.
Smithsonian Secretary Larry Small (left) with Museum Executive Director Brian Thompson and Assistant Director Meg Ventrudo at the 2000 Affiliations Program Conference in Washington, DC.
"This exhibit is a wonderful example of how the Smithsonian partnership will help us expand our storytelling, broaden our reach, and more effectively communicate a positive message of financial empowerment," said Brian Thompson, executive director of the Museum of American Financial History.
Click here to see more event pictures.
© Copyright 2000, The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
Reprinted with the permission of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.