Gifts to Smithsonian Benefit the Public

John Balzar’s June 6 commentary cavalierly ignores the considerable benefits of private donations to U.S. cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution. The two generous gifts he noted are like scores of donations every year to universities, hospitals, libraries and, yes, museums like the Smithsonian. These gifts clearly serve the public interest.

The Smithsonian gifts will help restore two museums in desperate need of renovation and fund exhibits that will engage and educate millions of visitors. We welcome good ideas, no matter their source, because good ideas always are an antidote to insularity. But in all cases the Smithsonian retains complete and final control of its exhibits and programs. Neither Kenneth E. Behring nor Catherine B. Reynolds will make any decisions, but their counsel and advice will always be welcome.

Indeed, the joke would be on us to imagine a U.S. without the heritage of private gifts. It would mean a Los Angeles without a Pepperdine University or a Getty Museum. Philanthropy plays an important role in supplementing public money. To say otherwise ignores the facts.

Lawrence M. Small

Secretary, Smithsonian

Institution, Washington