Smithsonian museums, including the inkwell used by president lincoln to sign the emancipation proclamation. This is just under one hour. The committee will come to order. David skorton, i would like to welcome you to todays hearing. I appreciate you joining us this morning to share your vision for the future of the smithsonian and to discuss your Budget Priorities for the fiscal year 2017. The members and staff are also grateful you brought some interesting historical items for show and tell. It is going to one of the highlights of our hearing season. You clearly have one of the most interesting jobs in town. I think most of us around this table would love to trade places with you, but something tells me it would not be in the best interests of the smithsonian. So we will all keep our jobs. The smithsonians mission is to increase the diffusion of knowledge. As the 13th secretary of the smithsonian, you are interested with the challenging sponsored abilities of operating and managing on
History of the smithsonian. At one time it was included by the national trust, one of the most endangered Historic Sites me United States. It was closed in 2004 for renovation, and it was spring, almost 10 years later that they mentioned they would use it for shortterm exhibits. Could you update the committee on how you see the arts and industry buildings on your campus. The current condition of the building, and when will you finally be able to host events . Is the challenge still adequate plumbing and hvac systems there . And i hope you also talk to congress about renovating the gardens there, too. They are adjacent to the building. Dr. Skorton i will talk specifically about the Arts Industries building, and if you have more specific questions about the gardens are the areas surrounding i will answer those as well. I have one of these dream jobs. I have a tree office that looks right at the capital. In my linef sat e, of young people enjoy, i often focus on the Art Industries buildin