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Betty Ford White House Papers
First Lady General Subject Files
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American Revolution Bicentennial, 1776-1976
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The original documents are located in Box 29, folder "Bicentennial" of the Betty Ford White
House Papers, 1973-1977 at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Betty Ford donated to the United States
of America her copyrights in all of her unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 19, 1974
Dear Mrs. Ford:
As I promised in my earlier note, I am sending
you information on our Bicentennial celebration,
with particular emphasis on Bicentennial cultur-
al activities.
Also enclosed is an expanded version of the
briefing material on women's programs.
Again, I look forward to our getting together
when you are settled.
Sincerely,
anne
Mrs. Tobin Armstrong
Counsellor to the President
Mrs. Ford
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Enclosures
GERALD FOND MIDRARD
WOMEN'S PROGRAMS
Briefing Book Revisions
August 19, 1974
Question: Many women's organizations are concerned
about your reference to women's liberationists and
male chauvinists, does this mean you do not take
seriously the concerns of women?
Answer: No, it does not. I believe in basic human
rights for all people and I recognize there exists
discrimination against women. I promise that my
administration will work toward the elimination of
such discrimination.
Question: What is your stand on the Equal Rights
Amendment?
Answer: My record is clear- in 1970 I stated that
there is no question that the Equal Rights Amendment
is an idea whose time has come and I continue to stand
by that statement. During the time that Congresswoman
Martha Griffiths was trying to get the discharge
petition signed by members of the House, I was
instrumental in securing 15 of the last 16 signatures
and I was delighted to have had a hand in bringing to
the House floor the proposed Women's Equal Rights
Amendment. I might remind you that two Republican
Congressmen from the State of Kansas were the first
to introduce the amendment in Congress in 1923. The
Republican Party was the first party to endorse the
ERA in 1940. In 1972 both the Republican and Democratic
Platforms included ratification of the Equal Rights
Amendment. This was, of course, after the ERA was
passed in 1972 by both the House and the Senate.
Question: Isn't the Equal Rights Amendment in trouble?
Answer: To date, 33 States have ratified the Amendment.
As you know, 38 States must ratify by 1979 to make this
part of our Constitution. I think the completion of
2.
ratification by the necessary States is an important
goal toward achievement of full equality for all
human beings. Personally, I would like to see this
accomplished next year during International Women's
Year.
Question: Nebraska and Tennessee have rescinded their
ratification of the ERA; is that legal?
Answer: According to the Counsel for the U.S. Senate
Subcommittee on Constitutional Amendments, "once a
State has exercised its only power under Article V
of the United States Constitution and ratified the
Amendment thereto, it has exhausted such power, and
any attempt subsequently to rescind such ratification
is null and void". I might add that there is some
opinion on the other side which holds that, until the
necessary three-fourths of the States do ratify, a
State may continue to vote yes or no as often as it
likes. Questions regarding Constitutional authority
are dealt with by the U.S. Supreme Court. To date
this question has not been decided by the Court.
Question: What is International Women's Year?
Answer: In December of 1972, the United Nations
General Assembly proclaimed 1975 as International
Women's Year and decided to devote the Year to
intensified action on the theme of equality,
development, and peace. The United States was the
first member nation to also proclaim 1975 as Inter-
national Women's Year in January of this year.
Question: How does the United States plan to celebrate
International Women's Year?
Answer: My staff has been meeting regularly with other
departments in the government in order to effectively
coordinate our participation in the events of IWY. The
U.S. has been and will continue to be actively involved
in plans for the IWY World Conference being sponsored
by the UN to be held in Bogota, Columbia early next
summer.
FORD & LIBRARY 077838
3.
Question: As you begin to make appointments in your
Administration, do you plan to increase the number
of women in appointive positions -- full time as well
as part-time Boards and Commissions?
Answer: Yes, I certainly plan to include women in key
positions in my Administration. As you know, I did
appoint a woman, Swen Anderson, to a high-level posi-
tion on my Vice Presidential staff. I not only hope
to increase the number of women in top-level positions
but at all levels in the Federal Government.
Today there are more women in full-time, policy-making
positions in the Federal Government than ever before
in our Nation's history. Many women now serving in the
government are in jobs never before held by women, such
as: Helen Delich Bentley, who chairs the Federal
Maritime Commission; Catherine May Bedell, chairing
the Federal Tariff Commission; Dixy Lee Ray, chairing
the Atomic Energy Commission; and, Anne Armstrong,
Counsellor to the President.
Question: Since you were active in competitive
athletics at the University of Michigan, what do
you think about HEW's coverage of intercollegiate
athletics in the proposed Title IX Regulations?
Answer: It is my understanding that the Regulation
would neither exempt nor disrupt intercollegiate
athletics as some have feared; rather the Regulation
moves in the direction of insuring better opportunities
for women in athletic programs.
Question: Women's organizations are concerned at the
omission of any specific regulatory provision prohibit-
ing discrimination in textbooks and other curricular
materials in the Title IX Regulations. What are your
views on this matter?
Answer: This is one of the reasons that Regulations
are published in the Federal Register, to obtain
comments from interested individuals and organizations.
I am sure that Secretary Weinberger and his staff have
considered this matter very carefully and will weigh
the comments in this area as well as others. The
usual time period for comments is 30 days; however,
due to the complexity of the issues involved, the
comment period was extended to 120 days.
B
FORD
BEHALD
LIDHARY
4.
The Educational Amendments of 1974 contain a section
entitled "Women's Educational Equity Act of 1974".
The purpose of this section is to provide equal educa-
tional opportunity for women at all educational
levels which includes funding for curricula development.
Question: Should women be admitted to the Service
Academies?
Answer: There is a Bill pending in Congress at this
time. The issue seems to revolve around women serving
in combat. Just recently the U.S. Merchant Marine
Academy admitted 15 women to its rank of 348 plebes.
Military experts seem divided on this issue. I have
asked my staff to review the issue as there is some
merit on both sides.
Question: Now that you have become the President of
the United States, has your position on abortion
changed?
Answer: As President I now represent all the people.
I am sure you are aware there is a wide division of
opinion on this issue. As President I will abide by
the Supreme Court's position.
Question: What is your position on Child Care?
Answer: To help meet the need of parents who require
assistance in the care of their children, the Republican
Party at its 1972 National Convention adopted a policy
"favoring the development of publicly or privately run,
voluntary, comprehensive quality day care services,
locally controlled but federally assisted with the
requirement that the recipients of these services will
pay their fair share of the costs according to their
ability." I believe there is a need for legislation
in this area, and understand a bill has recently been
introduced. I will be consulting with Secretary
Weinberger and members of my staff on this particular
proposal.
FORD
y
GERALDA
LIBRARY
5.
Question: Two bills prohibiting discrimination on
the basis of sex or marital status by creditors or
card issuers in granting retail and mortgage credit
have been passed by the Senate. What is your position
on this issue?
Answer: The elimination of credit discrimination has
been an initiative of the Nixon Administration and I
will continue to support the elimination of such dis-
crimination as the purchasing power of individuals is
of prime importance in our economy today. I hope that
the House will act on this bill during the 93rd Congress.
Question: What is the purpose of the White House's
Office of Women's Programs?
Answer: The White House's first Office of Women's
Programs was established by Anne L. Armstrong in
February 1973, following her appointment as Counsellor
to the President. The Office addresses the economic
problems of women and the problems of discrimination
on the basis of sex by acting as a catalyst for
progress and change both within the Federal Government
and in the private sector.
Question: There has been much criticism of the Federal
Government's enforcement efforts relative to the
requiring of affirmative action plans from Federal
contractors. Do you believe in preferential hiring?
Answer: Goals for women are required by contractors
holding Federal contracts of $50,000 or more, and
employing 50 or more persons. Such goals and time-
tables are part of the required affirmative action
plan.
Goals differ from quotas in a number of ways. Quotas
are fixed, numerical limits with the discriminatory
intent of restricting a specified group from a particu-
lar activity. Goals, on the other hand, are numerical
target aims which a contractor tries to achieve. The
aim is not discriminatory but affirmative in intent
to help increase the number of qualified minority
people in the organization.
6.
Goals are flexible and have different consequences
than quotas if the goals are not met. Failure to
meet a goal does not automatically indicate non-
compliance provided that good faith efforts have been
made to meet the goals. There is no intent to force
the employer to hire unqualified persons.
Goals are set in line with the various aspects of the
minority and female work force (number of minority
population, size of available minority and female work
force with requisite skills, etc.) A good faith
effort must be made to reach the minority and female
target goals.
Question: This year has been designated as World
Population Year by the United Nations. In view of this,
what is your position on population control?
Answer: The United States is participating in the
World Population Year through the appointment of a
National Commission and through attendance at the
World Population Conference sponsored by the U.N.
I will be looking toward the Commission and the report
of the Conference to see what direction will be taken
with regard to this issue. In view of the economic
problems of the world, I think it is imperative that
we address this critical problem.
Question: What do you think of the use of "Ms. "?
Answer: A woman should be free to call herself by
whatever title she chooses.
August 19, 1974
THE BICENTENNIAL
Q: Why has it taken so long for the Bicentennial to get going?
A: Actually, the Federal Government started its Bicentennial
efforts in 1966 but the original plans did not develop properly.
After much thought and deliberation, those ideas and the organi-
zation were scrapped by the Congress and a new organization was
created. John Warner, the former Secretary of the Navy, was
sworn into office as the Administrator only last April 11, 1974,
and I believe he and the Bicentennial Administration have been
making steady progress since then.
Q: Where is the Bicentennial being held?
A: Tell me where you live, and I'll tell you where it is being held.
Seriously, the answer is - in all our towns, cities, states and
territories. Rather than our having one or two big events in
one or two big cities, we believed it was better to have it
everywhere and everyplace, all over the country.
Q: I've been around to a lot of places in the country lately, and
I don't see much happening anywhere. Why is that?
A: This is a big country and you can't see it all at once. Our
Bicentennial computer shows almost 3,000 certified projects
under way, well over 1,000 Bicentennial Communities officially
recognized, and literally millions of people participating. Many
of the projects are not visible because they are going on all
over the country in homes, halls, schools and churches. Thousands
of concerned citizens are participating in the Bicentennial by
planning for our Third Century and a better life for us all.
Q: Wasn't the Bicentennial planned by Nixon as a big send-off for
the end of his Administration, and aren't all the people who are
working there mostly his own Republican appointees?
A: The new Bicentennial Administration is being operated strictly on
a non-partisan basis. Policy is determined by an eleven-member
Board, four of whom are members of Congress drawn equally from
Republicans and Democrats. Nationwide, the Bicentennial is being
planned and implemented largely by volunteer citizen groups
formed irrespective of political affiliation.
Q: How much is the Bicentennial costing the taxpayers?
A: Congress established a small but adequate Administration to
stimulate and coordinate Bicentennial activities nationwide. In
FORD
s
Fiscal Years '73 and '74 this Administration cost the taxpayers
BERALD
LIBRARY
less than $14 million. To assist each of the 50 states, territories,
Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia with their state organiza-
tions and statewide planning activities, the Congress recently
appropriated $12,375.000.
Q: How much is the Federal Government spending on the Bicentennial?
A: The total American Revolution Bicentennial Administration budget for
FY '75 is only $20 million, of which $12,375,000 goes to the
Bicentennial Commissions of the 50 states, territories, Puerto Rico
and the District of Columbia.
Q: What's behind the accusation that the Bicentennial is just a
commercial "rip off" of our citizenry?
A: While there are some commercial aspects, the overwhelming thrust
of all Bicentennial activity is through volunteer groups of citizens
who desire to express their reaffirmation of the basic values for
which this country has stood for these nearly 200 years, and to
plan a commemoration which befits the greatness and dignity of this
nation.
The word, "Bicentennial" is in the dictionary in the public domain
for all to use under our basic tenet of free speech. While some
may seek commercial benefit, the experience to date of the new
Bicentennial Administration has been that the vast majority of
Americans are using the word "Bicentennial" for non-commercial
purposes.
FUND
GERALD
LIBRARY
BICENTENNIAL COMMUNITIES
One of the most important and effective programs to be endorsed
by the ARBA is the Bicentennial Communities Program. Under
this program cities, counties, communities and townships of all
sizes can receive official recognition based on the merits of their
Bicentennial plans. This program was first introduced at the
Mayors' Conference in Houston in June of 1973, and the first official
communities were announced in July of 1973. By August of 1974
more than 1300 communities had received official recognition. The
following is a list of some of the communities as well as some pro-
grams to be undertaken by several of these.
Colorado
Pueblo Civic Symphony Association. The association's 1971-1976
seasons emphasize the international and indigenous roots of
American culture which will culminate in a major program for the
Bicentennial entitled, "200 Years USA
100 Years Colorado. "
The Pueblo Festival and accompanying activities, since their
inception in 1971, have utilized the talents of diverse State and
community groups in presenting elements of our cultural heritage.
This orientation will continue and expand in 1973-1976. In 1974,
the focus of the Festival will be "In the Rocky Mountains" regional
participation to incorporate and increase the regional audience. In
1975, the Festival will have a Pan American emphasis, highlighting
the contributory cultures of Mexico, South America and Canada and
drawing upon performing groups from these areas. A playwright
will be commissioned to write and produce a three-act play on the
Colorado Centennial which will tour the state in 1976. The 1976
Festival is entitled "Bicentennial, " and will include the indigenous
and imported elements of the American culture with the production
of an early American state play, performances in American Folk
Dancing, American heritage music programs, a program highlighting
the contributions of American Women and a photography exhibit.
Idaho
Bonneville County, Cleaning Up environment, Bicentennial energy,
environment, and education museum.
FORD
GERALD
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2
Kansas City, Kansas
Restoration of downtown Huron Indian Cemetery, Festival of
Progress, festival will be 7 years old by 1976. City takes pride
in ethnic diversity.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The Baton Rouge program contains three focal point projects and
forty seven participating Bicentennial Projects. The three focal
point projects are:
Heritage '76 -- The restoration of Magnolia Mound, a 200 year old
historic plantation which was saved from demolition by a grassroots
citizenry campaign which raised funds for this purpose.
Festival USA -- The new Civic Center with its Bicentennial Plaza
will provide the people of Baton Rouge the ability to see and enjoy
the fruits of their Bicentennial effort. Funds were obtained for
this project through a community-wide elected revenue bond issue
and from a grant awarded by the United States Housing and Urban
Development Department.
Horizon '76 -- The Baton Rouge Goals Program has been in progress
for two years and 500 citizens have already identified twelve basic
objectives for the city. These basic objectives have been further
refined into 128 specific goals. Forty one different sponsors have
been nominated for these Participating Bicentennial projects. The
sponsors run the gamut of service clubs, scouting, historical and
archeological societies, churches, schools, newspapers, senior
citizen associations, city and parish departments, etc.
Lansing, Michigan
The designation of Lansing as a Bicentennial City is an example of
how one geo political entity can be so designated by submitting just
one project. For Lansing, this project is "Michigan Place" -- a
waterfront development directly in front of the state capital encompas-
sing an urban renewal project designed to create an exciting, dynamic
place which symbolizes Michigan and the aspirations of its people.
FORD
Michigan Place will also demonstrate how the quality of life in a city
GERALD'S
LIBRARY
center can be improved, While principally Horizon '76 oriented, its
completion will be a focal point for Heritage '76 and Festival USA
activities now being planned by the Lansing, Michigan Place
Bicentennial Committee.
3
Wilber, Nebraska
August 4-5 Annual Czech Festival, an event recognized nationally.
Provide a building with facilities for Senior Citizens and Youth to
teach the crafts of the Czechs as brought from their native country.
Establish a football field for Wilber youth. Complete paving of 11
miles of previously graveled streets.
Lubbock, Texas
One of the most interesting cities to qualify for Bicentennial
Community status is Lubbock, Texas. On May 11, 1970 the city
of Lubbock was partially devastated by the most destructive tornado
in the history of our country. Immediately after the tornado, the
citizens of the city set forth upon the monumental task of rebuilding.
The Lubbock Bicentennial Committee took the goals and developed a
number of potential projects that will create national Bicentennial
interest. The Ranch Headquarters is currently the forerunner of
project activity featuring a recreation of Western ranch buildings and
showing the development of ranching in the Southwest. The Lubbock
Lake Site, a site of major archeological, historical and
scientific significance, traces the evolution of man over 12, 000 years.
The Lubbock Memorial Center, a multi-million dollar Civic and
Convention Center, is currently under construction in the tornado
devastated area of the City's Central Business District. This facility
will lend itself to the overall Bicentennial Celebration through the
usage of the Theatre for the Performing Arts, the Exhibit Hall and
the multi-purpose Meeting Rooms and Banquet Hall.
Yakima, Washington
Refurbishing and operating two streetcars on inter-urban railroad
tracks -- 1776 & 1976. Slogan on cars reads "One of Yakima Valley's
Bicentennial Projects, " Call attention of Bicentennial to other
cities along the 19 mile run.
rura
INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION
Discussions have taken place with foreign embassies on the
Bicentennial since the spring of 1970. Foreign governments
were formally invited to participate in the Bicentennial in
November, 1971, when the Secretary of State sent a circular
note to all diplomatic missions in Washington. On July 4, 1972,
the President issued an Invitation to the World in a nation-wide
radio address. The ARBC has been in touch with some 60
embassies and has discussions regularly with 33 embassies.
Since January of 1973 there have been visits by representatives
of Spain, France, Soviet Union, Great Britain, Canada, Yugoslavia,
and Austrailia. Although the United States as a matter of policy
does not seek or expect to receive Bicentennial gifts, it is likely
that many countries for special reasons desire to mark the
occasion through some contributions. While only the French
and British governments have formal Bicentennial committees,
a recent report from the embassies of Austrailia, Italy, Cypress,
and the Philippines are said to be forming committees. In
addition, informal interagency working groups have been formed
in Canada, Germany, New Zealand and Switzerland.
Some other programs involving foreign nations include the
Smithsonian Folk Life Festival, with the aid of a grant from the
Bicentennial Commission, the Smithsonian has recently been
unable. to facilitate the travel of a folk group from Yugoslavia
to visit various cities in the United States where they meet persons
whose origins were in Yugoslavia. The Smithsonian hopes to carry
this program forward on an augmented schedule each year,
culminating in a final five-month festival in 1976. They have
already approached 26 countries to request participation.
Operation Sail '76
This program calls for 20 nations to send up to 25 of their
"Tall Ships" to visit a number of major U.S. ports in the Bicen-
tennial year. In 1976, the vessels will race from Spain to
Bermuda and then proceed to New York Harbor to rendezvous
with sailing vessels from other nations.
BERALD
FORD
2
People-to-People Programs
Indications are that there will be considerable Bicentennial
activity on the part of the People-to-People Programs, such as
the Sister Cities Program, the Partners of the Americas pro-
gram, and People-to-People, International.
France
The first foreign proposal to be publicized was a French Sound
and Light spectacle at Mt. Vernon.
Spain
The Spanish government has proposed that a statue of Bernardo
de Galvez be offered to the City of Washington for the Bicentennial.
Replicas may also be given to Pensacola and Galveston.
Great Britain
The organization of the Festival of the City of London have recently
decided to adopt as a theme for its 1976 celebration "The 200th
Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. " It has also been
proposed that the only full-length portrait of George Washington be
acquired from its owner, Lord Primrose, and donated to the United
States. In addition, the British are planning several exchanges and
exhibits.
Nicaragua
The government of Nicaragua has issued 13 Bicentennial Commemora-
tive Stamps. This is the first issue of Bicentennial stamps by a foreign
government and were publicly offered in Nicaragua in early July
of 1973.
TURO
Norway
Norway celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the first organized
immigration to the United States in 1975. Present plans call for
an extension of the celebration into 1976 with a focus more on the
country at large rather than on Norwegian-American centers. In
1975, the last two exhibits of paintings and prints are scheduled.
There are also plans for performing arts groups including folk groups.
3
Belgium
The Belgium RTB-TV has expressed interest in producing a
six-part theatrical series on the history of the United States for
the Bicentennial. The network hopes to begin shooting in the
spring of 1974 and to complete the series for public broadcasting
in Belgium in 1976.
In addition, many states and communities are involved in programs
which celebrate the ethnic heritage of their citizens. In this regard,
they are pursuing international exhibits, theatrical events, etc.
More recently, the ARBA has awarded a grant of $76, 000 to
New York producer Alexander Cohen to study and pursue the
bringing of major world wide theatrical events to the United States
in 1976.
FUND
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MINORITY PARTICIPATION
Black Heritage Historical Areas
A contract has beensigned between the National Park Service and
the Afro-American Bicentennial Corporation for a study regarding
possible areas of Black Heritage relating to the Nation's growth
and development which would be set aside as national parks.
National Medical Association Sickle Cell Advocacy Program
This is a program aimed at Sickle Cell Anemia. It will include
research, an information campaign, a clearinghouse and counseling
procedures. This is being conducted by Dr. Edmund Casey of
Washington, D.C.
Inventories of Black Artists, Composers and Photographers
These are three separate programs which are sponsored by the
ARBA and are aimed at conducting research studies and compiling
library information for future reference.
Cinematic and Video Reflections of Black New York
This project will utilize the talents of Black film makers and video
technicians to illustrate the contributions of Black New Yorkers in
the arts, sciences, and education.
Yankton Historic City, Black History of South Dakota
This program will celebrate Black contributions to South Dakota's
history. It will include visits by Black leaders, historic displays
and exhibits, and special religious services.
of FORD LIUNARY
BEHALD
WOMENS' PARTICIPATION
Although there are many programs at the state and local levels
which are being organized and participated in by women, the
ARBC recently held a meeting attended by representatives of
58 major womens' organizations to discuss three major programs
which can be implemented by all. These three programs were
overwhelmingly endorsed by these womens' organizations. Some
of these organizations include:
AFL-CIO National Auxiliaries
American Association of University Women
American Medical Womens' Association
Association of Junior Leagues
B'nai Brith
Church Women United
Daughters of the American Revolution
Federation of Business and Professional Womens' Clubs
League of United Latin-American Citizens.
League of Women Voters of the USA
National Association of Colored Womens' Clubs
National Consumers' League
National Council of Negro Women
National Council of Women
National Organization for Women
Womens' Action Alliance
Womens' Equity Action League
National Board, YWCA
National Council of Jewish Women
National Conference of Puerto Rican Women
General Federation of Womens' Clubs
The three programs endorsed and to be undertaken nationally are:
National Womens' History Center
This Center would provide a focal point and a clearinghouse for
information about and by women for the past and future studies of
women's roles in the Nation's history. The Center would also
serve as an information and referal service on which libraries
posses what sources.
GEBULOR FORD LISKER,
2
Community Resources Center
At the most simplified level, the services of the Center would be
those of information on, and referral to, existing facilities
serving the citizens of a particular community. This project
must be conducted at the community level where womens' organiza-
tions would serve as a catalyst for local initiative.
International Womens' Arts Festival
The women's role in the cultural life of the United States has never
been fully recognized. This project proposes an international
womens' arts festival to be held in this country in the fall of 1975.
The program would include music, dance, film, theatre, poetry,
painting, sculpture and the folk arts and would give special
emphasis to the discovery of lesser known women artists repre-
sentative of different age groups, cultural expressions and ethnic
origins.
FORD
a
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YOUTH PARTICIPATION
Boy Scouts of America
Special task forces of adult volunteers, youth members and boy
scouts professionals on the national level have been working for
over two years to develop a Bicentennial observance program.
The program, which has recently received national recognition
by the ARBA, integrates Boy Scouts of America montly program
themes, national activities, and suggestions for local programs
into a package that will immediately involve all Boy Scouts of
America members. The program covers the entire Bicentennial
era of 1973-1977. Each year the Bicentennial era has been
identified with a program emphasis.
Vocational Youth Organizations
The six major vocational youth organizations, Distributive
Education Clubs of America, Future Business Leaders of America,
Future Farmers of America, Future Homemakers of America,
Office Education Association, and Vocational Industrial Clubs of
America, have all combined resources for the first time to
celebrate the Bicentennial. The program is entitled BICEP, an
environmentally oriented program which will involve these million
and a half students through 1976. The four-year themes are:
Working students -- proud citizens
Students sharing -- students caring
Founded on pride -- strengthened on service and
Forward in the Spirit of '76.
National Bicentennial Internships Program
This program is sponsored by the Western Interstate Commission
for Higher Education, the Education Development Center, the
Mid-Western Advisory Committee on Higher Education and the
Southern Education Regional Board. The directors of these four
regional resources development internship programs have
developed a national Bicentennial internship program that would
coordinate the assignment of advanced undergraduate and graduate FUAU
students to stimulate meaningful, locally initiated Bicentennial
planning and programming, interns would be assigned, at the
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2
request of community groups, local organizations, and state
and local agencies, to assist sponsoring groups in planning,
organizing, and implementing in their own localities. Assign-
ments would be approximately 12 weeks at the sponsoring agency
site; present project celebration with community leaders and
academic advisors requiring 8 to 10 weeks of effort prior to actual
assignment.
Foxfire
This program is sponsored by Ideas, Inc. in Washington, D.C.
This is an innovative educational activity involving young people
conducting extensive interviews with older people and preparing
reports on Heritage, crafts, arts, etc. This program received
official ARBC recognition in 1972.
In addition to the above Bicentennial programs, Bicentennial
related programs are being conducted in hundreds of schools and
communities throughout the country and major programs are
currently being planned by such organizations as: Camp Fire
Girls, Inc., 4-H, Junior Achievement, B'nai Brith Youth
Organizations, United States Youth Council, National Boards
of YWCA, YMCA, National Association of Student Councils,
and American Field Service.
FORD
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BERALD
LIBRARY
AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
Photo/Art Exhibit: Bicentennial Face of Rural America
The Bicentennial Era presents a very special opportunity to record
through photographs and paintings the Rural Face of America and
its enormous contribution to the American way of life. This exhibit
will portray the vibrant lifestyles of today's rural Americans and
the great renewal of interest in rural living among city dwellers
from coast to coast. The Bicentennial Rural Face of America
exhibit will include some 150 color and black and white photographs
ranging in size from 8 X 10 to wall-size photo murals. Require-
ments include independent modular structures, suitable hanging
devices, interior light fixtures, text panels and, in some cases,
special flooring. The opening of the exhibition is scheduled for
1976 for the Patio, Administration Building, USDA, Washington, DC.
Based on the Photo/Art Exhibit, a slide show of some 200 frames,
running 20 minutes, with narration, music and sound effects,
will be available through the USDA's slide set and filmstrip pro-
gram for purchase to schools, civic groups, businesses, and
other interested groups.
R
SEALD
FORD
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT
National Capital Parks
Development of Constitution Gardens is a large undertaking on the
vacant Navy Munitions Building site along Constitution Avenue
between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. Surface
development will service area visitors with facilities for shelter,
information, refreshment, and provide an outdoor gardened/
landscaped area for special events, celebrations, concerts or other
cultural, recreational and civic activities. Constructed below
ground will be a bus loading/unloading and parking facility for
visitors to the area.
Johnny Horizon '76
Johnny Horizon '76--Let's Clean Up America for Our 200th
Birthday -- is the Department of the Interior's educational-action
environmental program. Begun in 1967, made an official program
by Congress in 1970, and recognized by the American Revolution
Bicentennial Commission in 1972, the program attempts to
(1) make all Americans aware that they are responsible for
environmental improvement and protection and each individual can
do something about it, and (2) to inspire people to work together
to prevent pollution and to clean up. Johnny Horizon stands for
action to make America a better place in which to live.
R
SEROLD
FORD
LIBRARY
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
A Nation of Nations
A Nation of Nations, the largest exhibition ever produced by the
Smithsonian Institution, will occupy the entire west side of the
second floor in the National Museum of History and Technology
(NMHT), an area of approximately 30, 000 square feet. It will
explore the peopling of America, the result of which was the
formation of a new society incorporating in many ways the different
cultures and experiences brought from all over the world. The
exhibition will be divided into six theme areas opening with A
Great Migration which explores motivations for coming to America
and the story of the passage, not just trans-oceanic but trans-
continental as well. The second theme deals with Immigrant
Pioneering, the third with Becoming Americans -- our institutions,
common language, new traditions, and new ways of doing things;
and the fourth, with The Persistance of Old Feelings -- - the
problems of prejudice and discrimination together with the
strengths of old and familiar traditions. The fifth and sixth themes
will look at the contributions made by the world to the new American
nation and America's Contributions to the World.
BEROWN
TURD
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
The Department of Transportation will cooperate with the
Smithsonian Institution in underwriting the incorporation of cer-
tain transportation equipment into the Smithsonian's Festival of
American Folk Life which is scheduled to take place on the Mall
at Washington for four months during the Bicentennial summer.
The exhibit will include workers from various elements of
transportation as an industry and, in keeping with the folk theme,
will include music relating to transportation and transportation
workers which has done much to identify transportation as an
element in American culture during the 200 years since the Nation's
founding. At the conclusion of the Mall Festival of Folk Life it
is proposed that the exhibit will tour the Nation via Amtrak's
facilities.
FORD
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BERALD
LIBRARY
REVOLUTION
N
BICENTENNIAL
AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL ADMINISTRATION
736 JACKSON PLACE, N.W.
m
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20276
1776-1976
(202) 382-1776
MEMORANDUM FOR PAM POWELL
STAFF ASSISTANT, THE WHITE HOUSE
SUBJECT: Materials on Bicentennial Cultural Activities
The United States is one of the most culturally rich and varied nations
in the world. The innovations of American dance, the frontiers explored
in American music forms, the honest simplicity of American folk-art, the
quality of American painting and sculpture, the incisiveness of American
drama and literature have been admired the world over. However, in this
country most orchestra, opera and cultural centers have a yearly struggle
for sufficient funding, many of our theaters stand empty, there are no
existing support programs in the area of folk culture, and years of
neglect have hampered the development of meaningful vehicles of expression
for minority contributions.
More profound and more serious than this, is the shocking estimate that
90% of Americans do not attend one cultural event in a year. Regrettably,
the 90% does not indicate disinterest in the arts, but that a large part
of the population feels that it does not have adequate access to arts
activities. This is supported by a recent survey in New York State (which
spends much more on the arts than the national average) which revealed
that a significant number of the urban, suburban and rural populations
cited "no shows available, price of tickets, inconvenient time, difficult
to get there" as reasons for not attending performances of theater, ballet
and concerts.
The arts are integral to the Bicentennial; they illumine our past, lend
special joy to our celebration and enrich our daily lives and our quality
of life. The overall goal of the Bicentennial program in the arts has
been described in ARBA Art Guidelines as follows:
"To insure the development of Bicentennial arts
activities which involve the largest number of
people consistent with the particular art form,
which express the pluralistic nature of American
society and provide admission free events, and
which point toward new directions in the relation-
ships between the American arts and the American
community."
di
FORD
Stushd
Lisnery
2
The major thrust of these guidelines is to bring the arts to the people
by increasing the availability of quality arts programs to people in
their own communities and by increasing awareness of the evidences of our
culture to be found within every community. Thus, we have sought to
address the following problems:
1. Increasing the participation and involvement of
a broader sector of our citizens,
2. Redressing programmatic imbalances and stimulating
fuller use of existing resources, and
3. Adequately distributing the arts in their myriad
forms.
We have used several methods in addressing these problems. First, through
the process of official recognition, we have sought to recognize those
programs national in scope which have aimed at expanding their regularly
high quality programs beyond their normal audiences to involve diverse
community and related groups. One example of this is the official
recognition of the Bicentennial program of the Seattle Opera, which over
a four-year period culminating in a major music festival for the northwest
in 1976, will perform the works of many American and several foreign composers,
will involve groups on a State and Regional basis, and will incorporate the
talents of non-professional performers and technical assistants of all ages
in their regular presentations.
Second, we have sought to provide guidance and resource assistance to
groups planning Bicentennial activities in communities across the country.
When asked by groups "What kinds of programs should we be planning for the
Bicentennial?" we have been able to provide some firm suggestions in the
form of the Art Guidelines. However, any guidelines and any encouragement
echoes hollow promise if achievement of the goals remains mysterious! Some
of the guidelines are self-evident; others need a push if they are to be
realized. Therefore, we have undertaken several programs which will assist
groups in accomplishing Bicentennial goals in the arts. One example of
this is the Art Task Force Pilot Program--a contract done with three
communities--which will be made into a case study handbook for other
communities to use in rediscovering and dramatizing their own cultural heritage.
Third, we have sought to encourage and assist arts organizations in dispersing
their programs on a nationwide basis. Obviously, there is already much
activity in this area. Many dance companies, operas, and theater groups
currently do national tours to major urban cultural centers. However, many
of these groups never get outside a limited number of urban centers and
many communities have never had the benefit of their performance. To
address this problem and that of the international arts groups wishing to
tour the United States, we are testing the feasibility of creating a nation-
wide circuit outside existing circuits of performance tours.
FORD
BERALOR
GERALD
LIBRARY
3
Finally, the arts activities which lie in the area of folk culture have never
had the benefit of national coordination or touring. Therefore, we have
supported the efforts of the Smithsonian Institution in touring segments of
the annual Festival of American Folklife to American communities.
Fourth, we have sought to assist the efforts of the National Endowment for
the Arts to disseminate support to community arts and touring programs.
Therefore, out of non-appropriated revenues last year, we transferred $200,000
to the NEA for use in their dance production, theater touring, and expansion
arts neighborhood services and pilot touring programs.
Fifth, we have sought to insure that the Bicentennial be a time when permanent
contributions are made to our society and when new support is found for American
cultural activities. Therefore, we have tried to involve the private sector
in our programming by designing various programs worthy of corporate funding
support. One of the most important residual benefits of the Bicentennial could
be the increased role of the business community as the patrons of the arts.
Sixth, in keeping with our Art Guidelines which call for "Programs which
encourage the presentation, interpretation and reconstruction of traditional
works" and for "Programs which encourage the development of new works in all
arts media that deal with significant aspects of the American experience,"
the ARBC adopted policies not to designate official Bicentennial works--new
or traditional--in any art form nor to itself commission works to commemorate
the Bicentennial. Because the celebration will be full of occasions when such
works can be featured and because there are numerous commissioning programs by
symphonies, operas, dance companies, theaters, universities and arts organiza-
tions for the Bicentennial, it was felt that official action by the ARBA to
choose one work over ones equally worthwhile would tend to pre-empt this
activity and would not serve to promote full expression in honor of the
Bicentennial. Rather than single out one work or honor one artist, all forms
of American art should be given the widest circulation.
I enclose material providing more specific information about our efforts in
this area. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
John W. Warner
Administrator
7 Attachments:
1. Festival USA is
2. Festival USA: Semi-Annual Report
tunu
3. Art Guidelines
4. Festival USA Newsletter
5. Community Cultural Heritage Program
BEENLU
LIBRARY
6. The Folk Arts
7. Festivals of the Arts
1 ATTACIET
LIBRARY
'do FORD
REVOLUTION
_AN
AME.
BICENTENNIAL
AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL ADMINISTRATION
736 JACKSON PLACE, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20276
1776-1976
(202) 382-1776
FESTIVAL USA is
a festival of people and the multiplicity
of their ideas, their expressions, their
interests which best convey the diversity
of our culture, the warmth of our hospitality,
the vitality of our society, the traditions
we draw on and the traditions we create.
FESTIVAL USA is
a nationwide effort to share with other
Americans and the people of the world the
traditions, the culture, the hospitality
and the character of the United States and
its people.
FESTIVAL USA is
a children's theater production, jazz, a
nationwide bicycle tour, dance, low cost
accommodations, a dozen new operas, a
renaissance for American music, a craftsman
at work, a community museum, foreign language
"banks", maps and guides, folk and ethnic fest-
ivals, women in the arts, tall-masted sailing
ships, international exchange programs, multi-
lingual menus in restaurant windows.
turo
BERALD
LIBRARY
FESTIVAL USA is
The World Theater Festival
Bikecentennial '76
Photography Contest
Mount Rushmore National Monument
Showboat Children's Theater
National Square Dance Convention
Operation Sail '76
Sister Cities Bicentennial Program
Ninety-Nines Bicentennial Program
Pueblo Civic Symphony
Seattle Opera Association
Festival of American Symphony Orchestras
Sound and Light at the U.S. Capitol
The Festival of American Folklife
Low-Cost Accommodations Network
Folk Festival Handbook
Home Hospitality
Bicentennial Arts Grants
Inventory of Painting and Sculpture by
Afro-American Artists
Visitor Services Handbook
Facilities Survey
Inventory of Black Photographers
FORD
&
Nationwide Circuit
GERALD
LIGHARY
Art Task Force
/
Festival of College Drama
"Hamburger, French Fries and a Coke"
FESTIVAL USA
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Bicentennial celebration is an opportunity to arouse
in the people of the United States a renewed sense of
community and confidence strong enough to embrace the
diversity in origins and traditions which form the nation.
What dimension does Festival USA offer to this opportunity?
Festival USA is a communion, a nationwide joining of hands,
which finds its impetus in the pattern of the present. Yet,
it is also a thanksgiving for our cultural pluralism and an
affirmation of belief in a dynamic spirit that will continue
to nurture our unfolding civilization. Festival USA then
is a solemn and joyous celebration. It is a Festival of
people and the multiplicity of their ideas, their expres-
sions, their interests which best convey the diversity of
our culture, the warmth of our hospitality, the vitality
of our society, the traditions we draw on and the traditions
we create.
The United States has really always been people, millions
,f people residing in thousands of places, living hundreds
of styles. On the occasion of her 200th anniversary, the
United States is best experienced, best shared and best
understood through her people. This is the essence of
Festival USA. It is the people that we celebrate--not the
institutions, not the deeds, not the events, however com-
pelling; not the technological achievement, however strik-
ing; not the leaders or the giants, however worthy. These
are found in other aspects of Bicentennial planning.
Festival USA is firmly focused on people, all the people;
we the people.
That we, as a people, are in part unique and have our own
inimitable individual expressions is indisputable. That
we, as a people, are in part universal, sharing a common
legacy and purpose with the people of the world, is un-
deniable. The hallmark, therefore, of the Festival USA
program is found in the interaction of these twin threads
of genesis and genius, of the unique and the universal,
as expressed and shared in a festival of people by people
throughout the United States and with people of other
lands.
Festival USA is colorful for we are a variegated people.
&
FUNN
BEHALD
LIUKAR
It is creative for we are an ingenious people. It is
vigorous for we are energetic. Above all, however,
Festival USA is a living experience; vitality and inter-
action are its key attributes. To savour it, one cannot
watch from afar.
There must be opportunities for face-to-face participation--
to see, to sing, to touch, to dance, to discover, to explore,
to get to know each other, to experience first hand. The
continuing interchange and movement of people and their ex-
pressions are basic to all efforts in Festival USA.
GUIDELINES FOR PROGRAMMING
construct a program which will encourage an understanding
a a celebration of the genesis and genius of our culture,
certain fundamental guidelines can be enumerated.
First is to identify the traditions, both new and old, which
convey and give life and identity to our multifaceted culture.
"Culture" in this context should be construed in the broadest
sense, embracing the ideas, interests, pastimes, skills, arts,
customs, and expression of the people. Care should be given
to seeking out those components of our culture which:
- Have their roots in other lands
- Are the singular creation of the American experience
- Are emerging forms
- Are of universal interest and our common legacy
The traditions so identified must then be highlighted and
dramatized. To insure their availability, it may be partic-
ularly necessary to:
- Reinforce those customs which are central to the
American experience
- Give sustenance to emerging traditions which speak
sohu
of today's concerns
- Maximize the use of all resources and facilities in
the community
HERALD
LISKARY
s
The final thrust of the program is to offer to all our citizens
and visitors from abroad an opportunity to share and understand
the vibrancy and the diverse expressions of our culture and to
provide forums in which to:
- Compare and contrast
- Honor the individual
- Discover the common
- Explore the linkages
- Create the customs of Century III
The noted historian and former Commissioner, Dr. Daniel Boorstin,
proposed a series of emphases for the Bicentennial. Included
were:
"Community - To help us feel that all earlier Americans
are the ancestors of all of us. To find the ties which
hold all Americans together. To discover that our Bicen-
tennial belongs not only to the United States, but to the
people of the world. To remind us of the share of many
nations in the building of our nation and for the need
for a continuing sense of the common human adventure.
"Totality - To seek the whole meaning--the whole meaning--
of the American experience for all Americans of all ages,
all regions, all races, and all religions.
" "Continuity - To strengthen our ties to the best in our
past and to help discover the best in our future."
Festival USA embraces these emphases as guidelines for its pro-
gram and recommends their thoughtful incorporation in the develop-
ment of all Festival USA programs.
FURD
BERALD
LIBRARY
GUIDELINES FOR THE BICENTENNIAL ARTS PROGRAM
I. TITLE: Arts in America - What Happened and What's Happening
II. SUBTITLE: The Revolutionary Spirit of the Arts and How It Affects
and Serves the American Community
III. GENERAL OPENING STATEMENT:
The American Revolution altered the course of world history because
it generated a new concept of government based on self-determination
in the political process. The intention of the Revolution was to.
guarantee the primacy of individual initiative in American life. In
1975 we will gather, as a nation, to celebrate the 200th anniversary
of that intention. It is appropriate that this celebration should
commemorate the Revolution by emphasizing and renewing its original
purposes in terms of contemporary life. The celebration should not
concentrate on the events of the past but rather on the motive spirit
of those events -- a motive born of a need to improve the condition
of the American people.
The traditions and forces embodied in the spirit of the American
Revolution viewed in their entirety, pervade much of what is test in
American art. The refusal to be restricted, confined or bound to
past traditions, however august, is clearly evident in America's
music, its dances, its film, its energetic theater forms and its
visual arts, its architecture and its literature, nor are American
art forms at their best nerrowly chauvinistic since they reflect
the amalgamation and synthesis of an almost infinite variety of
cultural influences. The American Revolution Eicentennial Arts
Advisory Panels recommend that this spirit should be clarified,
illuminated and extended during the Bicentennial celebration.
IV. GENERAL GOALS:
The Arts Advisory Panels believe that strong emphasis should be put
on Bicentennial activities which involve the largest number of people
consistent with the particular art form; special encouragement should
be given to provide admission-free events to those activities which
express the pluralistic nature of American society and those which
point toward new directions in the relationship between American arts
and the American community.
FORD
&
GERALD
LIBHARY
V. KINDS OF PROGRAMS APPECPRIATE TO BICENTENSIAL YEAR:
The Bicentennial Arts Advisory Panels suggest the Bicentennial Com-
mission put strong emphasis on the following kinds of programs:
A. Programs which encourage the development of new works in
all arts media that deal with significant aspects of the
American experience.
B. Programs which encourage the presentation, interpretation
and reconstruction of traditional works illustrating those
distinctively American contributions to the world's
cultures which reflect the American Revolutionary Spirit.
C. Programs which stimulate a significant change in the
American approach to the arts experience, specifically
programs which extend the creative experience into the
daily lives of all our people.
D. Programs which encourage the use of arts as a means of
increasing understanding among various segments of American
society.
E. Programs which take advantage of existing facilities and
innovative means to make new performance and exhibition
areas available for the arts in communities across the
country.
F. Programs which place raximum artistic control over arts
activities in the hands of artists themselves.
G. Programs which demonstrate new or neglected uses of the
arts and point to unique ways in which the artists' skills
and insights can better serve the life of the Nation.
H. Programs which provide for community participation and
involvement at every level from planning through
execution.
I. Programs which provide for the preservation and creative
use of our architectural heritage.
FUND
GENALD
LIBRARY
ATTACIET 2
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FORD
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3
Lionary
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CART
REVOLUTION
GUIDELINES
Howard
TAUBMAN:
The arts are things that are
AMERICAN
BICENTENNIAL
expressions, visual or
sound or performed - but
they are expressions that
communicate with other
Glynn
ROSS:
human beings.
1776-1976
we are trying to state a
whatever is done could
vision, an approach to the
Bicentennial observance
have a potential of carrying
on. Continuity.
through the arts.
So if we can hammer out
the festival should be
something where the arts
ongoing beyond '76. Are
serve the people and the
we in agreement that basi-
people are served by the
cally the ARBC which has
art, have the art available
the R in it that we are
to them we will accomplish
going to have a revolutionary
Patrick
something.
theme? Can we use that?
HENRY:
The Bicentennial should
produce some kind of fresh
If the art is great and it is
dedications, some new reve-
universal it should have
lations, perhaps old things
appeal everywhere.
and perhaps leadership in
C. Bernard
All kinds of public facili-
new formulations, new
JACKSON:
ties are available if some-
developments.
one looks at it imagina-
/ think we need to then
tively.
begin to try to describe
James
ways for the benefit of
WINES:
those communities, de-
scribe for them how they
This is the American
are making use of the arts
Revolution, this country is
in the present time and
Vincent
internationally recognized
how they might make bet-
PRICE:
as a revolutionary country,
ter use of those arts, how
the arts of this country are
they might make those arts
Start with something and
admired not for their tradi-
more relevant to their lives.
explore the things that are
tional values but for their
really revolutionary in
revolutionary values pri-
/ think one of the real di-
American art that have led
marily. Arts and revolu-
lemmas in America is that
us from one place to
tion, meaning taking all
it has not ever been clearly
another.
those significant arts, past
identified what the role
and present, and put a
and use of the arts in
/ think you could get a
focus on them. For in-
America might be or
group of performers, ac-
stance, jazz. That was a
should be. It has been
tors, readers, concert per-
revolutionary art recog-
more clearly identified in
formers, platform perform-
nized as a worldwide revo-
other cultures. In Euro-
ers, to go on a circuit that
lution in music probably
pean and African and
would cover so much more
the most significant of the
Asian cultures the role of
than any production you
20th century.
the arts is much clearer.
could take.
ATTACIET 4
LIDHARY
suru
V
&
GENALD
Bicentennial Newsletter
REVOLUTION
FORD
rican Revolution
éntennial
BERALD'S
Lionaul
736 Jackson Place N.W.
AMERICAN
BICENTENNIAL
Washington, D.C. 20276
(202) 382-1776
1776-1976
VOLUME 4
NUMBER 8
SPECIAL FESTIVAL USA ISSUE
Festival USA: A Foreword
FESTIVAL USA is one of three Bicenten-
nial themes. It has as its overall objective
sharing with fellow Americans and the
people of the world the traditions, the
culture, the hospitality and the character
of the United States and its people. In
concert with the other two theme areas,
Heritage '76 and Horizons '76, it seeks to
involve all people nationwide in a
balanced, meaningful program. If we are
to have such a program-balanced,
meaningful and nationwide-in the arts,
travel and hospitality areas we cannot
simply be responsive to the Bicentennial
or merely accelerate what we usually do.
There are special challenges-some new,
some just unsolved-that loom large if
we are to reach our goals. The purpose
of this newsletter is not to give an over-
w of all Festival USA activities but
er to deal with some of the major
"Festival USA is a celebration of people and the multiplicity of their expressions.
blems and policies.
1976 and that will be too late to make
and to our enjoyment of the celebration.
The current projections of Bicentennial
the plans and provisions necessary. The
They must be rediscovered and in-
travelers are staggering. Regardless of
energy crisis of 1973-74 could easily lead
corporated in our programs. The state of
the reliability of the data, it is clear that
to a visitor crisis by 1976 if we do not
cultural activities for children in this
more visitors are coming than can be
continue to plan now.
country is close to a national disaster.
handled. The resident and the visitor will
If cultural activities are not just to be for
We present in this newsletter an account
both suffer unless communities begin
adults in the Bicentennial, programs for
of the concerted effort which the city of
immediately to address these long
Boston under the direction of Ms. Kath-
children must be developed and sup-
neglected areas. And we are not talking
ported.
erine Kane and the Boston 200 staff is
about frills. Where are the beds? Where
making toward providing visitor services.
are the bathrooms? Where are the park-
This newsletter contains an account of
Also included is a sampling of indi-
ing places? With most Americans travel-
the excellent work of the America the
vidual projects across the nation which
ling by car, traffic will be heavier and the
Beautiful Fund which does indeed re-
answer directly the needs of visitors.
number of accidents will increase ac-
kindle community cultural life. The
These proiects are illustrative and ex-
cordingly. Most city blood banks run
description of major national projects-
emplary of the work that needs to be
out of blood in a normal year. What will
needing private support-offers clear
done.
happen in 1976 if we do not start now to
opportunities to reach the goals we've
build reserves? These are examples of a
In the arts, there are similar obstacles to
set and to hurdle major obstacles in at-
few of the critical needs that we must
a meaningful and balanced program. For
taining those goals. The state and local
face realistically. Some say that the best
all of us to have the opportunity to enjoy
projects are indicia of the varied types of
thing that has happened to the Bicen-
the diversity and multiple expressions of
activity that can enrich the celebration at
tennial travel picture is the energy crisis.
our culture, several major roadblocks
home.
Simply stated, if we all have to stay home
must be hurdled. Cultural activities must
These projects in the arts, travel and
in 1976 the problems disappear. The
be available to people where they live
hospitality are the products of creativity
energy crisis has not been a factor in the
and where they work. This means not
and commitment. They are responsive to
statistical projections already made and
only extended touring of art and artists
the major challenges and needs. They are
included in this newsletter. Its impact
(especially out of major urban centers)
worthy of support by everyone. If followed
on 1976 is still difficult to assess. Assum-
but also efforts to rekindle the creative
and emulated across the country, the
ing, however, that it will be abated or
spirit within the resources available in
Bicentennial will be for all Americans
that mass transit alternatives are avail-
the community. Some speak of it as a
and our visitors a warm and significant
le to our car oriented public, the prob-
right to the arts. In our rich heritage
occasion in the history of our nation and
S of handling visitors once they have
there are many works not traditionally
appropriately mark the continued vitality
rved will still remain. What the actual
presented (especially those of minority
of the principle set down in 1776.
dimension of the visitor impact will be,
artists) which would add greatly to our
clearly now not be known until close to
appreciation of the diversity of our culture
George Lang, Chairman Festival U.S.A.
The Visitors Are Coming
Bicentennial. Some examples of the pro-
programs is the cataloging of the various
with multi-lingual personnel at other
grams being developed to meet this need
services which exist for the visitor in the
ports of entry into Boston."
And It's No Tea Party:
according to a recent Boston 200 report
city. These services range from the avail-
Boston Plans for
include:
ability of accommodations to lost and
Citizen-Hosts
Bicentennial Travelers
found booths. Some of the programs
Many visitors' questions are simple and
Boston 200 Brochure-a basic informa-
this area include:
do not require elaborate training pro-
tion handout, in circulation soon, com-
Boston now has an annual visitor volume
Boston Brochure: "How To Plan A Trip
grams to answer. A new program invites
posed primarily of promotional, descrip-
of 2.8 million which should increase to at
Boston"-to contain basic information on
participation of citizens who will learn
tive material which will explain ways
least 3.4 million by 1975 following current
people can participate in Boston 200
when to go, what is available, accommo-
about the area through a quiz program
growth patterns. However, national pre-
activities along with the origin and role
dations, and Boston 200 events and pro-
and will then be issued a button saying
"Boston 200 Hosts." These citizen hosts
dictions and past experience indicate
of the Office of the Boston Bicentennial
grams. To be included in the brochure
will wear the button and help visitors on
that Americans will tend to travel to sites
(Boston 200).
are a guidebook, an official map, the
Festival American Calendar, hotel listing
the street with directions and general in-
associated with the nation's history dur-
Boston 200 Bulletin-information on
ing the Bicentennial. Admitting the diffi-
and the Passport (which will contain dis-
formation. A second program, will help
culty of coming up with exact estimates,
activities of Boston 200 in magazine form
count coupons for various accommoda-
those who come into direct and daily
Boston 200 has made a series of high,
to be produced four times a year for local
tions, restaurants, shops, transportation
contact with visitors in a public service
as well as national distribution.
medium and low projections and is utiliz-
modes, institutions, and events).
capacity to respond to the special needs
of travelers. Other service programs in-
ing the middle range for most of their
Speaking Program-presentations given
by Boston 200 staff members to any
Accommodations
clude a telephone information service,
PIVS planning. These estimates show an
increase in 1975 of 85% over normal
interested group.
Accommodations Services-major plan-
check cashing and currency exchange
growth levels for a total of 6.4 million
ning to expand the available accommoda-
facilities, childcare programs, lost and
visitors and an even greater increase to
Visual Presentations and Exhibits-slide
tions for the peak visitor period during
found services, and special services for
approximately 9.4 million in 1976. Daily
and film presentations to be made avail-
the Bicentennial includes an emphasis on
the handicapped.
volumes during the summer months will
able for interested organizations.
finding and providing medium and low-
probably be in the 30,000-40,000 range.
Publicity-using newspapers, radio, tele-
cost accommodations along with ac-
Transportation
commodations which can be used on a
A tremendous amount of study and plan-
Boston will be a Major Travel Destination
vision, magazines, billboards, posters,
temporary basis. The planning covers
ning has been given over to transporta-
in 1975 and 1976
etc. information of interest to the general
four major types of accommodations:
tion of visitors to the Boston area during
public will be disseminated in order to
the Bicentennial era. All available means
While events of historical and cultural
inform the residents of Boston about
Hotels: In coordination with the Greater
significance are being planned, Boston
of bus transportation have been studied
Boston 200 programs.
Boston Hotel-Motor Inn Association and
200, the local bicentennial organization
-including buses which operate solely
the Greater Boston Chamber of Com-
has also developed comprehensive plans
as sightseeing tour vehicles. Included in
to meet the needs of the millions of
Information on events being planned by
merce, Boston 200 is developing an ac-
the study was the feasibility of using
visitors who will begin to inundate the
Boston 200-particularly Citygames (a
commodations plan for the Bicentennial
school buses, many of which would be
metropolitan area as early as 1975. The
network of trails, paths and tours leading
period which will identify when capacity
available during the summer months, to
theme, "The City Is Host" has been
walkers through the 18th, 19th and 20th
must be expanded and how this can be
augment other transportation systems.
chosen to provide a focus for Boston
century city of Boston-trails that deal
done most efficiently and economically
200's Public Information and Visitor
with literature, medicine, architecture,
Studies have been made to the major
visual arts, women in history, religion,
Rooming Houses, Tourist Homes, Pri
highway and arterial corridors likely to
Services (PIVS) programs.
education, the ethnic communities and
Rooms: Boston 200 is exploring the pos
be used by visitors to central Boston-
The depth of study and planning which
other special interests) and Festival
sibility of increasing this lodging re-
their capacities, hours of peak usage,
has gone into the PIVS plans for coping
American (commemorations of Boston's
source. Noting the experience of other
and periods of greatest unused capacity.
with this rush of visitors is indicative of
historic events and cultural life illustrated
cities using similar systems, Boston 200
From these studies it has been de-
two things: First, a real desire to take
through a series of performances, re-
is developing a plan that would include
termined that Bicentennial visitors who
care of the visitor in a way that will make
enactments and other special events) for
"the identification and interpretation of
drive will be encouraged not to use these
a trip to Boston for the Bicentennial as
both residents and visitors alike will
pertinent State and local statutes govern-
major highways during peak hours. In
pleasurable as possible, and second, an
include:
ing lodging houses and guest rooms;
addition, hotels will be asked to en-
understanding of the need to take care of
possible legislative changes, definition of
Boston's small streets and historic sites may be filled with 9.4 million visitors in 1976.
courage visitors to arrive at off-peak
Festival American Calendar-a listing of
standards and rates and/or special
hours.
the city and those who use it all the time.
The success of each is inescapably de-
major performances, events, and exhibits
licenses; advertisements to locate avail-
intended primarily to help visitors de-
able rooms during specified periods;
regional efforts not only to create new
they are "working with a network of
Legal and illegal curb parking spaces and
pendent on the other and the successful
cide when they will travel to Boston. In
inspection and listing of rooms; and a
camping space, but also to distribute
groups and institutions
which now
off-street parking spaces have been
realization of visitor services goals should
be, as is the case with Boston 200, a
addition, the Calendar will facilitate trip
system of feedback from users to the
visitors to the areas presently less well
provide aid and introductions to local
counted and their daily use and turnover
used."
planning through order blanks on which
reservations clearing house staff on the
contacts for special groups of interna-
rate computed for downtown Boston.
major goal in any community's Bicen-
tennial planning.
a visitor can list performance preferences
quality of the rooms."
Central Accommodations Reservation
tional visitors. These groups have ex-
Summer and weekend reserve capacities
which will be attached so that tickets may
System-Boston 200 "will develop an
pressed interest in pooling some of their
have been closely estimated. In addition,
Information
be ordered in advance.
University Dormitories: Boston 200 re-
accommodations clearinghouse that can
resources not only to provide a broader
parking availability in other areas of the
ports that "during the summer months,
range of services, but also to reach a
Citygame Brochure-to contain informa-
more than 10,000 university rooms" are
secure advance reservations, as well as
city is being investigated; and the
Information services are being expanded
larger number of visitors."
as one method of improving the traveler's
tion on and an explanation of Citygame
under-utilized and are therefore explor-
provide information about room availa-
Massachusetts Department of Public
Works is now involved in studies and
enjoyment of a visit to Boston. The PIVS
as an inducement for residents and
ing the possibility of converting many of
bility at several locations on major routes
Language Bank-an effort to identify
plans for peripheral intercept park-and-
guidelines for all such planning include:
visitors both to participate in this
these rooms for use by visitors during
into the city. The intent is that the infor-
those residents of Boston with a foreign
ride facilities served principally by buses
efforts to inform and orient visitors before
the peak travel months. "Efforts will be
mation will be sufficient to match the
language capability who would be avail-
program.
into downtown Boston. The feasibility of
they reach Boston; utilizing all existing
made to encourage the maintenance of
visitor to appropriate accommodations-
able to assist visitors and business people
information centers; aiming information
Citygame Sheets-short information
any system developed to be done by
room capacity, location, and rates."
with translations.
implementing other types of major park-
bulletins which at first will explain and
ing spaces will be examined as part of
to satisfy the complete range of visitor
student business agencies."
concerns; and encouraging visitors to
Literature-Boston 200 will attempt to
the ongoing work of Boston 200. The
later facilitate participation in Citygame.
Foreign Visitors
plan their visit and to shape their trip
The content of the sheets will vary.
Campsites, Boat Facilities: Boston 200
make all of its literature available in
major goals of the transportation planning
Noting that "Boston is a major destination
patterns around certain public goals such
reports that "almost no facilities exist
several languages.
have been defined as follows:
Boston Newsletter-a recreation of the
for European and Canadian visitors to the
as maximum use of public transportation.
first published newspaper in Boston will
presently for visitors arriving with camp-
United States," Boston 200 is working on
Information Desks and Signs-Boston 200
to use intensive management tech-
Following these guidelines, special infor-
disperse weekly or bi-weekly Boston 200
ing equipment." "A major effort will
eries of programs that would provide
reports that "the State of Massachusetts,
niques in lieu of maior capital con-
mation services have been designed to
therefore be made to encourage State
schedule information.
ded services for the international
Division of Tourism has received a grant
struction, to develop an integrated
help residents, business and institutions
and metropolitan agencies to address
aveler.
from USTS to hire additional multi-
transportation system that will respond
become informed of the who, why, what
this problem. Boston 200 will work with
lingual guides at the airport. Plans are
quickly and effectively to Boston 200
and how of the events planned for the
One major emphasis of PIVS information
the Massachusetts and New England
Language Services-Boston 200 reports
also underway to staff information booths
visitors demands;
to keep visitors' private vehicles out of
pinpoint the tourism market more exactly,
can readily be suggested such as ex-
Europeans and Asians in particular are
downtown Boston on weekdays;
better estimates can and have been
pense, inconvenience, lack of knowledge
coming to see America in ever increasing
to maximize the use of common car-
made.
about the country (and therefore pos-
numbers.
riers for all visitors to Boston;
sibly a lack of interest). USTS gives us
is easier to count the number of foreign
to maximize intown use of the rapid
another interesting statistic-of the 55%
DATO tells us that almost 14 million
itors entering this country each year
transit (MBTA) system;
of Americans who do travel, almost half
foreign visitors arrived in 1971. This in-
acause of the entry procedures each
(40%) take trips to visit relatives and
cludes Canadian (10 million) and Mexi-
to maximize pedestrian usage of the
must go through. Where they go once
friends. Apparently, large segments of
can (1.2 million) visitors who have always
city;
they get off the boat or leave the airport
to maximize use of special purpose
the population limit their efforts to see
been the bulk of the foreign visitor popu-
is pretty much anyone's guess. Thus
lation in this country. Overseas visitation
vehicles;
this country's vastly diversified sites,
to maximize the Boston's inner harbor
beyond being able to identify the major
geography and people to areas near
rose 14% in 1972 and at this point in
ports of entry, the problems and relia-
and water transportation potential;
relatives and friends. Finally, it should
1973 USTS projects another 21% rise this
bility of statistics on the international
be noted that of those Americans who do
year. USTS has also projected, before the
to provide information systems, opera-
visitor are substantially similar to those
tional mechanisms, pricing policies
travel approximately 82% do so by auto-
dollar devaluations of the last year, that
relating to domestic tourism.
and pedestrian signing to make these
mobile.
international tourism to this country could
be as high as 20 million by 1976. The
goals attainable.
Standardized data bases and methods of
Planning
largest jump, percentage wise, would be
collecting and sampling would obviously
A number of projects are being developed
solve many of these problems and the
According to a 1971 speech presented
in overseas visitors-from 2.5 million in
to meet many of these guidelines.
to a Discover America Travel Organiza-
1971 to 6.5 million.
report of the National Tourism Resources
Transportation Study-an indepth study
Review Commission suggests a number
tions (DATO) convention by Robert C.
of solutions and legislative action will
Olney, Marketing Director, National Ad-
Economic Impact
of the existing transportation system has
vertising Company, those Americans who
The National Tourism Resources Review
been completed.
undoubtedly be forthcoming-but prob-
ably not in time for the Bicentennial.
do travel do not plan their vacations. The
Commission was created by Congress to
Motorist Brochure-for those visitors who
Existing statistics and projections must
statistics show that people are looking
"understand and protect the needs and
insist on traveling to Boston by automo-
for freedom from a tight schedule when
resources of tourism now and to 1980."
be used and, indeed, they are important
bile, this brochure will carry two strong
they take to the road. As we have seen,
The Commission submitted its report-
tools for the Bicentennial planner but he
messages: "The overnight visitor will be
should understand their strengths, their
the road is what they travel on even
Destination U.S.A.-consisting of five
advised to 'GET A ROOM' as soon as
weaknesses, their character and their
though many of the vacationers could
possible, and both overnight and day
afford to use some other means of trans-
approximate nature.
visitors will be asked to 'PARK 'N RIDE'."
portation and in some cases it would be
The United States Travel Service (USTS)
cheaper (especially on long trips where
Mass Transit Brochure-this will consist
under the U.S. Department of Commerce
a number of nights' accommodations
of detailed local maps, particularly of
has been tabulating travel statistics every
must be secured). While the destination
the MBTA showing both major terminals
five years and putting them together in
of most trips is decided upon before
and major destinations within the city
their National Travel Survey. A report
leaving, 70% of the traveling public do
(hotels, institutions, historical sites). In-
was issued for 1967 and most recently
not make room reservations within
formation concerning the four alternate
or 1972. Unfortunately, the 1972 infor-
twenty-four hours of their stop. Olney
accommodations systems (hotels, tourist
tion was not completed in time for
summarized these findings with the
homes, dormitories, campsites) and
uch of the work that has been done
following observations: "People are non-
visitor center locations will be included
such as the massive report of the Na-
planners they'r non-planners be-
as well as directions for locating transit,
tional Tourism Resources Review Com-
cause they want to be. This is the chosen
limousine and taxi services and some
mission. The 1972 National Travel Survey
life style of today's auto vacation traveler.
sample fares.
does confirm, however, many of the esti-
He wants to get away from the routine
mates that have been made that travel
things in life to be together as a
Livable City
is one of the fastest growing industries
family to see scenery to show
Finally, under the rubric "The City is a
in the country. For example:
the kids a bit of the history of the coun-
Livable Environment," plans are pro-
try and most of all, to have fun. They
gressing for making park and street
The estimated number of trips of over
don't want to be regimented by time
improvements, cleaning statues and
100 miles was 130 million in 1967; by
clocks or schedules. If you are going to
plaques, providing benches, rest facili-
"People are non-planners.
This is the life style of today's auto vacationer."
1972 this estimate of trips had jumped to
do a good job communicating with these
ties and other conveniences for resi-
237 million-an increase of 82% over
traveling families, you have to recognize
dents and visitors.
1967.
that the majority want to stay flexible."
to Boston, New York and Philadelphia?
tation. The result is that projections at
Boston 200 programs are comprehensive.
the state or regional level and among the
Although Summer (July to September) re-
Another point made in the speech-and
Will the U.S. be inundated by millions of
A major effort is being made to solicit
Europeans and Japanese during this
mains the peak travel quarter-the 1972
pertinent to Bicentennial planning espe-
various tourism related industries are
the involvement of all residents, busi-
period? How can we plan for Bicen-
seldom comparable-they do not add up
data indicates that the greatest increase
cially in smaller communities-is that
nesses, and groups in the Boston area.
tennial events if we do not know?
to a whole. Another major problem exists
by quarter over 1967 was in the Spring
almost 60% of auto vacationing families
Whether this participation be as a volun-
(April to June) with a 93% jump. The Fall
would make an unplanned stop in an area
in collecting and analyzing data rapidly.
teer guide, as a donor of a park bench
All of these-particularly the last-are
quarter (October to December) also in-
which they discovered has many inter-
Most national data is at least two years
or as a sponsor of an exhibit, Boston 200
important questions if there are to be
creased by a larger percentage (92%)
esting things to see and do and would
sufficient services for the visitors during
old by the time it is published and the
would like everyone in the area to be
than summer's 63% growth.
spend up to two full days absorbing
data is often sorely out of date for use in
included in the preparation, as well as
the 200th Anniversary celebration. Com-
everything the area offers. The oppor-
prehensive planning will make the differ-
present situations. Lack of coordinated
the enjoyment, of the Bicentennial
While the number of trips taken almost
tunity and the problem is combined-
celebration.
ence between chaotic overcrowded
efforts in this area are also major im-
doubled, 45% of the American public-
how do you let the public know you have
pediments to informed analysis. For
situations and pleasant experiences on
the same as in 1967-are still not travel-
something to offer so that they will stop
the part of traveler and resident alike.
example, it has recently been reported
ing at all. Where USTS's "average
and visit for awhile.
that there are approximately fifty Federal
Unfortunately sound, comprehensive
traveler" went on 1.7 trips during 1967-
Statistically Speaking: The
travel statistics and projections are diffi-
agencies conducting over one hundred
by 1972 that same "average traveler"
International Visitors
Use and Abuse of Travel
cult if not impossible to estimate.
travel related programs. Finally, the data
was taking 4 trips during the year! This
America has never seen itself in the role
collected for a specific use may tend to
large segment of our population which is
of host to the world. Distance and ex-
Data
In the domestic tourism area, the major
suffer from some experimental bias-th
ot traveling, in an affluent and mobile
pense have, in the past, made it un-
problems are related to an inadequate
collector may simply find the data to su
buntry, is a startling fact. The question
economical. The low-cost jet charter, the
Is it true that 40, 50 or 60 million visitors
data base. Anyone interested in analyzing
port a foregone conclusion. Where local
night be asked-why do so many Ameri-
devaluation of the dollar and the eco-
will come to Washington, D.C. during the
the tourism industry must also apply a
factors, such as room taxes and restau-
cans stay at home? We can really only
nomic growth of many foreign nations
Bicentennial? How many will be going
large measure of judgment in interpre-
rant luxury taxes, make it possible to
guess at this time, but a number of ideas
have all conspired to end this isolation.
International tourism: 20 million by 1976?
volumes covering all aspects of the
major historic, cultural, and business
national visitors feel at home and become
Communications: Newspapers, TV and
tourism industry in June of 1973. They
centers in this country), services must be
acquainted with the area and its citizens.
radio stations; magazine publishers.
report that the United States has one of
provided. Towns with numerous attrac-
The program is operated in cooperation
Government Offices: Police Department;
the smallest budgets for promoting
tions of their own who are not usually
with the Seattle hotel/motel industry.
City Hall; State and City Civil Defense;
foreign tourism in relation to Gross Na-
vacation destinations can improve their
After the international visitor has check
Public Library; City Office of Interna-
tional Product of any country in the world
services to attract the family who does
in and signed a registration card, the
tional Relations; U.S. Department of
and its foreign tourism receipts in relation
not plan a vacation but waits to see what
hotel dials W-E-L-C-O-M-E, part of the
Agriculture; State Tourist Commission;
to GNP are also among the smallest. They
is interesting along the way. Bicentennial
extensive Seattle language bank facili-
U.S. Ambassador to OAS.
also pointed out that tourism is already
planners must look at the domestic travel
ties, and identifies the name and na-
big business-and getting bigger. They
figures and try to understand why such a
tionality of the guest. Someone who
Medical: Hospitals; State Health De-
report that 23 billion dollars were spent
large segment of the population does not
speaks the visitor's native tongue is then
partment; Visiting Nurses; Clinics; Sui-
on tourism in the U.S. in 1960-61 (in
travel. If the $30 a night room for a family
contacted and calls the visitor to wel-
cide Prevention Center; Louisiana Hos-
1960-61 dollars) and projected this to
with two children is keeping them off the
come them to the area. They also ask if
pital Association; Medical School
grow to 127 billion dollars (in 1980 dol-
road-then alternatives must be pro-
the visitor would be interested in spend-
Library; Louisiana Association for Mental
lars) by 1980. Allowing for inflation, this
vided. While the statistics have weak-
ing some time seeing the city with some-
Health; and private physicians.
is still an astronomical growth.
nesses, they do make one very positive
one who speaks their language. They
point. Although it is hard to project
offer other assistance in interpreting or
Travel: Airline counters at airports;
Bicentennial Planning
exactly how many visitors are coming,
simply answer some questions. The
Continental Trailways Terminal; Grey-
Boston is an example of a city which has
there will be many, many more than most
W-E-L-C-O-M-E volunteer then reports
hound Bus Terminal; Union Passenger
utilized these national figures along with
communities are accustomed to handling.
the results of the conversation back to
Terminal; Hotels; Hotel-Motel Associa-
tion.
state and local records to plan for their
someone at the main office who will take
Bicentennial activities. The numerous
care of whatever follow-up is needed.
Welfare and Social Agencies: Public Wel-
programs being developed by Boston
fare Department; Community Action
200, the Bicentennial organization in that
Around the Nation in Travel
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Centers; Travelers Aid; American Red
city (See Article elsewhere) are predi-
and Hospitality
The National Hiking and Ski Touring As-
Cross; various social agencies; Salva-
cated on a thorough researching of avail-
sociation (NAHSTA), located in Colorado
tion Army; YMCA and YWCA; State De-
able data. As they state in a recent re-
Miami, Florida
Springs, Colorado, has begun to develop
partment of Public Welfare.
port, "The most reliable indices of
The Metropolitan Dade County (Miami)
a project that would eventually increase
economic activity in this sector [travel
Miscellaneous: Archdiocese Administra-
Transit Authority has developed a "Driver
America's trails by an additional 10,000
and tourism] are related to regularly re-
miles. The program calls for the desig-
tive Office; Labor Unions; Foreign Rela-
of the Month" contest. The program,
ported taxable functions. For example,
tions Association; International House.
which has been in operation for 2 years,
nation and construction of 200 miles of
the room occupancy excise tax can be
is aimed at providing an added incentive
new trails (symbolic of the 200th Anni-
A few brief accounts will serve to illus-
used to accurately estimate overnight
for bus drivers to improve their driving
versary of the American Revolution) in
trate the usefulness of the Language Bank
visits to the city. In contrast, day-trip
skills and job knowledge. One of the
each of the 50 States before the end of
to the non-English speaking visitor and
travel to Boston is difficult to measure,
major objectives of the contest is also to
1976. The trails are to be for non-
the community.
and we have relied on limited survey
make the drivers aware of their public
motorized use only-hiking, backpack-
data from 1966 and standard national
service relationship with the passenger
ing, ski touring and the like. The organi
An aged Serbo-Croatian (Yugoslavia)
formulas in making estimates. The fac-
by encouraging them to be more cour-
zation also plans to designate a certair
patient had been unable to communicate
tors from which the estimates were
teous and helpful.
percentage of the new trails as "Special
with personnel in a local hospital. The
made include: characteristics of the resi-
Use Trails" designed especially for use
Language Bank produced a volunteer
dents of each state, projected 1975 popu-
The Transit Authority has established a
by the handicapped, the blind and the
who was able to bridge the gap, to the
lation, projected 1975 per capita income,
selection board of three members-one
elderly.
patient's joy and the hospital staff's re-
educational level, propensity to travel,
each from the Transportation Office, the
lief.
and distance from Boston." Taking into
local union, and the Public Information
In promoting the project NAHSTA states
account the unusual nature of the Bi-
Office. In choosing each month's winner,
The Jewish Family Service could not
that
the relatively small geo-
translate two nurses' certificates written
centennial era, and looking to other at-
the board uses four major criteria: the
graphical areas of England and Wales
tractions that have created unusual travel
driver's record, his courtesy to pas-
in Rumanian. The Language Bank pro-
have more combined useable miles of
vided the translator.
planning such as world fairs and expo-
sengers, on-the-job attitude and appear-
footpaths and trails than the United
sitions, Boston has come up with three
ance. Each Driver of the Month is award-
States
and Americans, who are now
sets of estimates-high, medium and low.
ed a $25 U.S. Savings Bond, his name is
Americans who are now rediscovering their feet need more trails
A local girl dated an Iranian officer in
rediscovering their feet, will need more
training at Keesler Field in Mississippi.
The high estimates assumes that a major
inscribed on a plaque, he is given a patch
trails for walking, hiking, backpacking
When he was called home, he sent his
effort will be made to attract visitors and
to wear to identify him to the public and
and ski touring. The 10,000 miles of new
organizing hiking and ski touring clubs
Bank. The response of the non-native-
address but she couldn't read it.
the estimate runs to almost 20 million
he is eligible to win a Driver of the Year
trails
would be a permanent contri-
and promotes the wise use of the na-
born was particularly outstanding be-
Language Bank provided a Persian
visitors for the two year period (1975 and
award.
bution to the country, and a major move
tion's natural resources.
cause they seemed to understand how it
translator but does not know how the
1976). The low estimate assumes that no
The Transit Authority has made a con-
in the direction of fulfilling a national
is to be in a land without knowledge of
romance turned out.
extra activities or promotion will be made
goal of creating recreational, scenic, and
New Orleans, Louisiana
the language.
by Boston (although the estimate is still
certed effort to advertise the program and
historic trails as outlined in the National
The Language Bank of New Orleans'
Finally, a Chinese volunteer spent two
higher than usual since even without an
the winners so that the image of the bus
Trails Act."
Operation Open Door is a service to both
Since the program began, lists of volun-
nights helping interpret when a Chinese
extra effort on Boston's part they are
drivers will be improved in the public eye.
the community and the foreign visitor
teers have been compiled in directory
vessel was in a fiery collision on the river
assuming that the Bicentennial will attract
A local bank group provides in-bus an-
For the past year, NAHSTA has pub-
through its corps of volunteers who act
form and updated from time to time.
and sank.
nouncements of the winners and there is
more visitors simply because of the his-
lished the "Hiking & Ski Touring" news-
as interpreters, at no cost, in emergency
Presently the Revised Lanugage Bank has
torical nature of the city). Boston 200 has
wide media coverage to acquaint the
letter for its membership. Starting in
situations where non-English-speaking
at least 45 languages listed for use. The
Los Angeles, California
decided to use a middle range of figures
public with the program. Bus riders are
January 1974, the Woodall Publishing
visitors are in distress.
book also lists the names of commercial
International visitors traveling to the Los
to plan with-almost 16 million-since
encouraged to write in about drivers who
Company will be including this publica-
translators who translate letters, publi-
Angeles area have an opportunity to visit
they do expect to expand their promotion
are particularly helpful. According to a
tion in their "Better Camping Magazine."
Started in 1967, the Language Bank be-
cations, or documents for a fee, and the
with an American family for an afternoon
and provide attraction to some degree.
spokesman for the Public Information
Through this outlet, NAHSTA plans to
gan with a core group of multi-lingual
last page lists the names and phone num-
or an evening. This in-person chance to
Office, one driver's passengers put to-
report the progress of the project and
volunteers listed by the State Depart-
bers of the Consulates in the city of
become better acquainted with our coun-
The opportunity is there for other com-
gether a petition with almost five
keep score of how many of the states
ment Reception Center in New Orleans.
New Orleans.
try and its citizens is made possible
munities to take a look at their resources
hundred signatures urging that he be
have met the goal of 200 miles.
The list grew larger as one person
through participation in a program of-
and services and use the available infor-
chosen Driver of the Month.
would suggest someone else who might
The list of those who received copies of
fered by Los Angeles At Home, Inc.
mation to plan constructively. If a city is
The relatively young organization (foun
e interested in participating in the pro-
the directory covers a broad range of
Started in 1962, the organization matches
likely to get an increase of foreign
Seattle, Washington
ed 1971) has as its overall goal the re-
gram. The organizers of the project
services and agencies who might be
foreign visitors with a host family based
visitors (this will most certainly include
The Seattle Hospitality Committee has
building of America's trails. NAHSTA
found that people were eager and more
called upon to assist someone who needs
on information concerning occupation
the smaller communities around the
instituted a new program to help inter-
provides technical services, helps in
than willing to add their names to the
a translator. They include:
and interests supplied by both. The
program's success is attested to by the
staff at the desk will direct the people to
Worth Region has to offer.
over 1,000 participating host families and
the airport management where they can
the approximately 2,000 visitors they en-
find help for medical, dental and other
Members of the "ad hoc" Dallas-Ft.
tertain during the year.
needs. A language bank which has been
Worth Regional Committee for Foreign
in operation for 3 years can also help
Visitors are attempting to advise visitors
Donn Gift is the man behind the program.
when problems arise with translations.
of the availability of the service before
He started the organization twelve years
This facility consists of a list of volun-
they leave home by advising the Americ
ago and, with the help of his family, is
still running it from his home in Los
teers who speak various languages and
embassies abroad, the airlines, United
can be called upon for assistance. Since
States Travel Service, and various inter-
Angeles where there is someone to
there is no foreign currency exchange in
national groups of the program.
answer the phone 24 hours-a-day, seven-
days-a-week. The program is available to
the airport, the volunteers have helped
The organizers have also been working
any foreign visitor-all it takes is a phone
out visitors with no American currency by
with the various communities around the
call and a few brief questions on inter-
providing transportation to a nearby bank
Dallas-Ft. Worth area to expand the op-
-or to their hotel where they can ex-
est, occupation, number of people in the
portunities for foreign visitors to meet
party, home city, country and language
change some currency on an emergency
Americans. One example of their suc-
basis until the banks open.
ability. Most of Los Angeles At Home's
cess is a program that the town of Kauf-
visitors are directed to the program by
This program has utilized the expertise
man, Texas will be offering. The town will
the airlines, bus companies, steamship
and manpower of not only the Dallas
set aside one day each month for a free
lines, information printed in foreign
Committee for Foreign Visitors but also
luncheon for any foreign visitor in the
journals and guidebooks, by the United
the research capabilities of Southern
area to attend at a local church. There
States Travel Service, hotels, motels,
Methodist University and the cooperation
will also be a cattle auction that day to
the Southern California Visitors' Coun-
of the management of the airport (who
give the visitor some feeling for one of the
cil's information office in downtown Los
supply the space and desk free of
important industries of the area. Members
Angeles, and simply by word of mouth.
charge) and the city of Dallas (who pro-
of the community will provide the food
vide the phone service).
and will be available to meet the visitors.
Mr. Gift has compiled his large list of
As a spokesman for the Regional group
volunteer families through talks he gives
New Office in Dallas
put it, "What happens after that is up to
to various organizations such as the
With the need and success of the Love
the local citizens but the possibilities for
Kiwanis, the Rotary, women's clubs,
Field operation a documented fact-over
further hospitality are endless."
"Rediscover America is trying to do exactly what the theme says-get people to rediscover what their American heritage is."
church groups and others. He claims that
1,000 visitors were helped in 1972-the
his host families are his best resource
since they are constantly referring friends
project is being expanded. The Dallas
who have been a part of a home visit and
Committee for Foreign Visitors has been
granted rent-free space at the new World
America The Beautiful Fund
centers for researching and teaching
carving. In Riverhead crafts and art
Regional Music and Drama
want to become a part of the program.
Trade Center in downtown Dallas in
Gives Needed Support to
these skills. In Delhi, whole families have
programs are being developed for
Many communities are finding that much
Each new volunteer host submits infor-
which to open an information desk. The
learned hand spinning, weaving, making
migrant farm workers to provide an en-
of their history and folklore can be re-
mation similar to that requested of the
new operation is scheduled to begin
Community Arts Programs
of looms, and vegetable and natural dying
riching life experience and to develop an
discovered and enjoyed through song,
visitor-this information is then cross-
filed for language ability, occupation and
serving visitors in early 1974 with infor-
om native materials; are creating objects
alternative skill that can lead to expand-
drama, and dance. The American Indian
outside interests so that a visitor can be
mation services similar to those being
The America the Beautiful Fund operat
their own use and for display to
ed economic opportunities.
club of Rochester is reeducating and re-
easily matched. Los Angeles At Home is
offered at the airport.
nationwide. In practically every State of
ners; and are reviving the Delhi cover-
acquainting urban Indians who have
the union, seed grants from America the
let pattern. A crafts center in Claverack
never lived on a reservation with their
still growing-Donn Gift hopes that by
New Regional Airport
Beautiful have started people on projects
is gathering together local craftsmen,
Use of Historic Landmarks
own language, religion, customs, and
next year he can open an office in down-
With the opening of the new Dallas-Ft.
to improve the environment, rediscover
including the only maker of the area's
"Dead" buildings which once were saved
heritage through programs and classes
town Los Angeles so that the program
Worth Regional Airport, Love Field will
cultural heritage, and in other ways im-
once famous white oak baskets, to revive
because something once happened in
in the traditional dances of the area. The
can be more convenient for the visitor
soon begin phasing out its passenger
prove the quality of life in their com-
craft traditions through open workshops.
them are now being saved because
Shinnecock Indian Reservation at South-
and that there will be room to grow in the
service. To provide services at this new
munities.
Teenagers in Busti have produced a
things are happening in them again. The
hampton has undertaken a program to
future.
facility an entirely new organization was
Pioneer Festival including planting an
oldest Unitarian Church in the country,
develop and preserve their culture
In practically all cases the seed grant and
formed-the Dallas-Ft. Worth Regional
acre of flax, giving demonstrations of
in Barneveld, is being restored to its 1809
through the documentation and presenta-
Dallas, Texas
the project itself has grown as the imagi-
Committee for Foreign Visitors. The new
spinning, log-hewing, quilting, and join-
beauty and being used as a community
tion of native dances, crafts, costume
International visitors arriving at Dallas'
nation of the community has been
Love Field are being provided with some
group is made up of members of the
ing together with community members in
center with crafts, drama, shops and
making and tribal history. The Pultney-
captured and participation has widened.
Dallas Committee, the Ft. Worth Com-
horseshoeing and dulcimer playing to
social activities. In Fishers the Valentown
ville community theater, continuing its
helpful services thanks to a foreign
An excellent example of this can be seen
mittee for Foreign Visitors, and com-
demonstrate that although time has
Museum in the oldest covered shopping
tradition of presenting plays to raise
visitors information desk which has been
in San Marcos, Texas. One of the first to
munity groups representing towns situ-
changed Busti into a suburb, its agrarian
mall in the country has already provided
funds for civic improvements, is produc-
operating seven days a week from nine
be designated a Bicentennial Community,
past is still alive and beautiful. A town
educational and cultural services to the
ated between the two cities. Rent-free
ing a series of dramas on the religious
a.m. to five p.m. since February 1972. The
San Marcos' "Save the Waterfront"
space has been provided and a new
wide festival in Essex County focused
community and is now being used as a
revivals which swept the area in the
program, completely run and staffed by
project began with a $500 seed grant
"Consultancy for Educational and Cul-
upon maple sugar making and included
resource for the restoration of the Gan-
1800's. Students in Baldwinsville are
volunteers, is part of the extensive pro-
from America the Beautiful, and has now
gram provided by the Dallas Committee
tural Exchange" for foreign visitors will
tapping the trees along Main Street,
nagaro Indian Site. The old Lehigh Val-
producing original plays based on the
grown to be one of the major thrusts of
soon be available.
boiling, sledding, story telling, contests
ley Railroad Station in Cazenovia has
legends and history of the area. Dance
for Foreign Visitors. The information desk
the city's Bicentennial program.
and songs, which were recorded for use
been turned into a community center
workshops for children are being con-
was opened to help acquaint the foreign
This new program will be somewhat dif-
in a magazine of local history and folk-
offering a wide range of programs and
traveler with the people and resources of
A description of the projects undertaken
ducted at the Booker T. Washington
ferent than the information desks. Since
lore.
courses in art, nature, crafts, and actual
Center in Auburn to teach children the
the area. Specifically, the desk provides
the new airport is providing a paid staff
with help from the Fund is not just an
work necessary to the restoration of the
visitors with information on where to go,
to help both foreign and domestic tour-
account of activity but a rich storehouse
exciting Black history of the area. A pro-
The Grassroots Craftsmen of the Appal-
building. In Woodland, California, the
what to see, and how to get there,
of ideas for Bicentennial projects. Be-
gram of church compositions by Ameri-
ists with transportation questions, accom-
achian Mountains of Jackson, Kentucky
county historical society is rescuing an
whether the visitor will be in the Dallas
cause of the generous support of the New
can composers from colonial times to the
modations, emergency and other visitor
are working on producing marketable arts
old opera house through a series of
area for only a few hours during a lay-
York State Arts Council, a large number
present to be performed by the congre-
services, the Consultancy will direct its
and crafts from heritage patterns and
festivals; the original "Phantom of the
of projects have been carried out in that
gations of local churches is being done
over or for a number of days. They are
resources toward more program develop-
indigenous environmental materials that
Opera" reopened the house and Old
in Oneonta. In Essex County workshops
ready to answer questions on housing
ment for the international visitor. The
State. In the listing that follows the com-
are not already best sellers in the market-
language bank facilities will still be avail-
munities referred to are located in New
Timers Day brought out more than 130
are being conducted to teach local resi-
and secure reservations for the traveler
place. A combination pow-wow, arts and
York unless otherwise indicated.
people over the age of 70, including a
dents how to collect the local folkiore
who has no place to stay and no idea of
able when there is need for translation
crafts festival, and Indian Center Work-
quartet whose youngest member was 78.
and folksong of the Adirondack region.
what is available at different price ranges.
but most of the work of the volunteers
hop to be held in Lewiston will be
This event began the collection of a
Senior citizens in Williamsville are con-
The staff also provides maps of the area
will be geared toward providing extensive
Revival of Indigenous Crafts
onsored by the Buffalo North Ameri-
series of recorded reminiscences of the
ducting an innovative workshop in inter-
and explains the bus and taxi system
information on where to go and what to
An increasing interest in relearning the
can Indian Cultural Center and the Tusca-
history of the Opera House. Younger
pretive dancing for senior citizens and a
along with giving an idea of what standard
see that will give the foreign visitor a
crafts of our forebears sees a growing
rora Singing Society and will feature
citizens aren't neglected either-rock
demonstration of this technique on tele-
fares might be. If emergencies occur, the
better feeling for what the Dallas-Ft.
number of communities with their own
Indian dancing, foodmaking and stone-
concerts and dances are held in the plaza.
vision and in local nursing homes.
Community Media
In Waterford a community-wide photog-
activities. On the Tuscarora Reservation,
hoods, cities, and States. There is a very
formed over 200 works by composers
Czechoslovakia's Czech National The-
Communities are utilizing the resources
raphy and visual arts contest will drama-
master carver, Duffy Wilson, has enabled
lively hunger in people right now to de-
from all over the world.
atre, and Theatre Behind the Gate; Ja-
available in local television and radio
tize the natural and historic beauties of
some of the apprentices chosen to pro-
fine what their cultural identity is. This
pan's Umekawa Noh Troupe, and Kabuki
stations and publications to document
the area and the need to save Peebles
duce pieces now being collected by major
country was a do it yourself effort. And
The Symphony program of performance
Theatre; Sweden's Royal Dramatic The-
their cultural heritage. Students in Alex-
Island on the Hudson. An environmental
museums throughout the country. In
people can still do that."
and instruction was begun in 1956 with
atre; Spain's Nuria Espert Company;
andria Bay are working with the local
recovery group in Beacon is planning a
the barest essentials: An orchestra and
Bloomingburg, Lois Bregman, a local
Turkey's Dormen Theatre; Austria's Vi-
historical society in creating a photo-
riverfront park along the Hudson, making
printmaker, is running a community etch
The Fund provides seed grants and tech-
an old coal barge with funding from H. J.
enna Burg-Theatre; Belgium's Rideau de
graphic history of the area which will be
use of old pumps, docks, and a railroad
ing workshop centered on local land-
nical assistance to assist communities in
Heinz Company and Duquesne University.
Bruxelles; South Africa's Natal Theatre
displayed in the town. In Ogdensburg a
station which will become a museum. In
marks. In Watkins Glen, avid collectors of
developing programs ranging from the
The new Floating Arts Center, designed
Workshop Zulu Company; and America's
group of local filmmakers is making a
Oswego a community design center will
Americana have turned their knowledge
rescue and revival of the cultural heri-
by renowned architect, Louis 1. Kahn, will
Arena Stage, Minnesota Theatre Com-
16mm documentary on the historic re-
be accessible to all local residents as
to actively involving members of the com-
tage in crafts, drama, writing music, vis-
be a year-round self-propelled vessel
pany and American Conservatory The-
lationship between the town and the St.
well as to formal civic planning groups to
munity through exhibits in a local art and
ual arts, and design to innovative cul-
containing a theater, gallery, ballet area,
atre.
Lawrence River, using the taped remi-
foster clearer communication within the
history center in documenting the diverse
tural uses of historic buildings and sites,
and concert stage and will provide ex-
niscences of the residents as the sound-
town and to improve the town's environ-
cultural history of the town. A local Sid-
natural areas and parks. Projects are in-
panded facilities for performances and
The Festival will be opened on Broadway
track. At the Kings County hospital, a
ment through the use of a riverfront park.
ney artist plans to execute a mural about
spired, initiated and carried out by in-
workshops. Design for the Center calls
in October of 1975 and will subsequently
photography and video-tape workshop is
A series of projects carried out in Scotts-
various aspects of the natural world work-
terested and energetic members of the
for the use of Pittsburgh glass, steel and
tour to other theatrical centers in the
being offered with works done by the
ville, Mumford and High Falls will retain
ing with Head Start children and their
communities. In most cases, projects
aluminum and will reaffirm the ingenuity
United States, completely underwritten
patients being exhibited in the hospital
and upgrade the rich 18th and 19th cen-
parents, will encourage the children to do
have grown through the firing of commu-
and initiative of the city and the nation.
by industrial, corporate, foundation and
and the community. In Saugerties a local
tury character of the town's architecture
their work about their own lives and fami-
nity imagination and the widening of par-
The odyssey of the American Wind Sym-
individual guarantors. In addition to bring-
video artist and the social studies teacher
and public spaces. In Lexington, Ken-
lies, and will teach them basic skills
ticipation, and modest cash investments
phony toward an awakened commitment
ing to the American public the finest in
at the high school are working with the
tucky the Chairman of the Art Depart-
which can be used to create murals for
have had unprecedented returns. Redis-
to the arts, a journey to enrich the joyful
theater performance, the Festival will of-
students to produce a taped profile of the
ment at the University of Kentucky is
their own homes, schools and other en-
cover America programs serve as cogent
spirit of Americans, is a special conribu-
fer an opportunity to preserve for pos-
town which will be shown on the local
working with students and public agen-
vironments.
models for Bicentennial arts programs
tion to the nation's Bicentennial. The ex-
terity the performances of all of the par-
cable TV station.
cies on a field survey of the Ancient
which extend the creative experience into
tent of its journey will depend on the
ticipating troups and artists. The World
Earthworks of the Ohio Valley, one of the
America the Beautiful Fund has published
the lives of all our citizens.
extent of financial support.
Theater Festival Corporation will estab-
Preservation of Local History
richest treasures of prehistoric earth-
a paperback account of its activities.
lish a subsidiary organization to record,
and Legends
works in North America, to serve as a
Called Old Glory, the 191 page book de-
The World Theater Festival, the World's
on film or videotape, actual festival per-
Traditions which add texture to the fabric
communications program emphasizing
scribes projects carried out in communi-
Theater Comes to the American Audience
formances. These recordings will con-
of community life, memories and stories
ties with pictures, charts, maps and
Bicentennial Arts Projects
the need to preserve our environmental
The World Theater Festival, a composite
stitute the basis of an extraordinary ar-
of the past, which are in many places in
landmarks. In Hoosick Falls, the pic-
graphs. Of special interests to Bicenten-
Seek Private Support
of the finest productions, theatrical com-
chive of world theater in the second half
danger of being lost, are the focus of
turesque hometown of Grandma Moses,
nial planners is the "how-to" section and
panies and artists from more than twenty
of the twentieth century. Sponsoring in-
projects combining the efforts of young
a painting and literature workshop led
the innumerable project ideas for indi-
The involvement of the private sector,
nations, will tour the United States in 1975
stitutions will be linked in perpetuity with
and old members of communities. In
by professional artists involved young
viduals, families, neighbors, and commu-
businesses, foundations, and corpora-
and 1976. Alexander H. Cohen, interna-
the greatest theater art of our time.
Westchester County young people are
people In an artistic examination and
nities to Rediscover America. Old Glory,
tions, in undertaking programs which will
tionally-known producer and the moving
collecting the legends of the Under-
presentation of their environment that
published by the Warner Paperback
make 1976 a memorable event for all our
force behind the program, describes it
ground Railroad from residents of the
gave them a sense of its aesthetic value
Library, may be ordered through your
citizens is critical to the success of the
as: "A 15-month long pageant of the best
Bicentennial World Poster Contest, "USA
community whose lives or ancestors were
for the first time.
local bookstore.
Bicentennial. The ARBC has developed
in theater art in the world today, per-
'76: A Declaration of Interdependence"
connected with it and using the material
some such programs and is aware of
America the Beautiful Fund is a private
formed by the world's greatest theatrical
The ARBC has developed a plan for an
as a basis for dramatic presentations to
Community Archeology
others. The following projects in the arts
troups and artists, in commemoration of
international poster contest, designed to
schools and community groups. The
Very often the remains of a heritage are
non-profit organization with an impressi
are examples of activities which present
stimulate interest and involvement in our
the 200th anniversary of our nation's
town of Groton is rediscovering its heri-
within a community but buried-over or
record of combining small amounts of
enormous potential if resources can be
birth."
upcoming 200th anniversary throughout
tage by utilizing information culled from
hidden by modern development. In Platts-
money with large inputs of community
found.
the nation and the world, to be sponsored
the headstones in a pre-revolutionary
burg, the Adirondack Archeology Asso-
energy for cultural activities. The spirit of
The Festival, celebrating the diversity of
by the American Institute of Graphic
graveyard for a public presentation of
clation is having a community dig on the
its activities and the response of individ-
their history. In Oyster Bay the local
The American Wind Symphony Or-
the American culture and the close rela-
Artists and to take place in 1974.
site of Fort Izard and other historic sites
uals and communities is closely attuned
to the goals established by the ARBC for
chestra, a Journey to Enrich the Joyful
tionship between the American culture
senior citizens are conducting an oral
in the area and using the material gath-
the arts in the Bicentennial.
Spirit of Americans
and the world's cultures, will combine
The contest, based upon the theme, "USA
history project which will be the basis of
ered as a basis for year-round programs
performances by major national and in-
'76: A Declaration of Interdependence,"
community historical and cultural activi-
In 1976, the American Wind Symphony,
and public exhibits of the work in prog-
The Fund, which is a national organiza-
ternational repertory companies and com-
would dramatize, through one of the most
under the direction of Robert Austin Bou-
ties for the next four years. In Hoosick
ress. The Museum Association in Brewer-
tion, began a program called Rediscover
mercial theater. New productions, re-
popular art forms of our time, a reaffirma-
Falls where "there are so many legends
dreau, will embark upon a cultural voy-
ton is spending the summer showing
America two years ago In New York at
age to 76 cities along the country's in-
vivals, musicals, dramatic readings, re-
tion of the basic principles on which our
that it is believed folklore originated in
young people how to excavate the his-
the request of the New York State Arts
vues, concert and cabaret artists, will in-
nation was founded in 1776-life, liberty
Washington and Rensselaer counties" a
land waterways. The symphony, housed
toric sites surrounding the Revolutionary
Council and the National Endowment for
corporate the talents of such artists as
and the pursuit of happiness-and the
Tapes Tell Traditions program is com-
in a new Floating Arts Center, will bring
War fort there. In Cold Spring on the Hud-
the Arts. Nanine Bilski, New York State
bining senior citizens and young people
to each location today's finest music and
Maggie Smith, Juliet Mills, Emlyn Wil-
more complex interrelated responsibili-
son the oldest Catholic Church in the New
Director of the Fund, during a recent Fes-
art and will serve to heighten interest in
liams, Marcel Marceau, Yves Montand,
ties that people, as part of the world com-
in an oral history project.
York Archdiocese is being restored by
tival USA meeting, commented: "There
Jaques Brel, Michael Mac Liammoir,
munity, must share with each other and
the historic beauty of our rivers.
was $20 million to be spent on the arts in
Yevgeny Yevtushenko, Hal Holbrook,
their environment.
the community to its original Greek Re-
Art and Environmental Beauty
vival splendor by starting with a commu-
New York State which worked out to
In its 17-year history of providing free en-
Harry Belafonte, Liza Minelli, Pearl Bailey,
Communities nationwide have come to
nity dig of the ruins of the burnt-out shell
about $1 for every man, woman and child.
tertainment for people residing in port
Marlene Dietrich, and Joel Grey. Partici-
Entry would be open to everyone, every-
the realization that the arts can help to
of the structure.
But everyone wasn't getting their dollar's
cities along the Mississippi, Ohio, Alle-
pation is expected from such distin-
where. An international jury, comprised of
make their towns and surrounding envi-
worth according to the legislators. The
gheny, and Monongahela Rivers the Or-
guished companies as: Britain's Royal
outstanding graphic artists and design
ronments more livable and exciting
Resident Artists
problem was to make the arts more visible
chestra has brought an enriching expe-
Shakespeare Company, and Bristol Old
critics, would be assembled to evaluate
places to be. At Letchworth State Park
Communities are discovering unbounded
and more vital, but not by bussing in art,
rience to Americans who normally have
Vic; Canada's Stratford Shakespeare Fes-
the entries and make the awards. Works
wintertime workshops in snow sculpture,
resources in the persons of professional
which had been the tradition. So we
limited contact with arts activities. Teach-
tival; France's Comedie Francaise, and
of the award winners-there could be as
environmental photography, and study
and weekend artists who live or work in
launched a program of arts in isolated
ing and performing in communities on the
Theater de la Cite; Italy's Piccolo The-
many as fifty-would then combine to
and artistic interpretation of winter wild-
the community and who have the skills to
communities, which we defined as rural
waterways of the United States and other
atre, and Compagnia dei Giovani; Ger-
form traveling Bicentennial exhibits
life habitats have been conducted by art
turn the community on to its cultural
towns, Indian reservations, migrant work-
countries, the Orchestra has become a
many's Berliner Ensemble, Schiller The-
throughout the U.S. and abroad and
students from the State University at
capabilities and heritage. In Lake Grove,
er's camps, prisons, hospitals and non-
floating ambassador for its resident city,
ater and Breman Theatre; Ireland's Abbey
could be reproduced and sold as indi-
Geneseo under Park auspices to encour-
high school students are devoting their
urban areas that did not have substantial
Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County.
Theatre; Poland's Polish Contemporary
vidual posters or in full color brochure
age year-round use of the park. A blind
time and talents to serve the community
cultural institutions. Rediscover America
Theater and the Cracow Stary Theatre;
or book form.
naturalist in Alexandria Bay is develop-
as an Art Squad through the support of
is trying to do exactly what the theme
The Orchestra's 45 members are divided
Greece's Greek Art Theatre, the Greek
ing nature trails and exhibits for the blind
local merchants. Betsey Damon in Ithaca
says-get people to rediscover what the
into three sections: Woodwind, brass and
National Theatre Company; the
It is estimated that a total of $230,000
at the Minna Anthony Common Nature
is conducting a community arts workshop
unique American heritage is, how to re-
percussion, the first of its kind in the
U.S.S.R.'s Moscow Art Theatre and Len-
would be required to successfully accom-
Center and giving lectures on natural
centered on the needs of community
late to it through their families, through
world. To highlight its unique character,
ingrad Gorki Theatre; Israel's Habinmah
plish all aspects of the Bicentennial World
beauty to school and community groups.
women who have had little access to arts
their ethnic background, their neighbor-
the Orchestra has commissioned and per-
National Theatre and Cameri Theatre;
Poster Contest program.
Festival of American Symphony Orches-
The ARBC is coordinating the Festival
tionwide tour during 1975 and 1976 and
and contain information in the categories
tras: For the American Home-the Finest
plans with private organizations and will
will depend upon corporations, organiza-
of archeological sites, architecture,
in American Music
seek corporate sponsorship for each.
tions, Federal agencies, foundations and
churches, cultural centers, historical
Two public broadcasting networks, the
communities across the country for sup-
sites, landscape design, museums, gal-
Corporation for Public Broadcasting and
"Hamburgers, French Fries and a Coke":
port. By emphasizing through the arts that
leries, parks, statues, theaters, institu-
the Public Broadcast System, are devel-
A Musical Revue for Children: Arts and
the legacy of the land is of equal impor-
tions of higher learning, urban design,
oping, in conjunction with producer Curtis
Ecology
tance to the legacy of history, the pro-
and places of special interest. Maps and
Davis and concert pianist Jerome Rose, a
The ARBC has developed under contract
gram offers the unique opportunity for
photographs will augment the text. Trans-
plan for the televised performance of the
a model program for a musical revue for
expanding the role of the arts in our daily
lation into several foreign languages will
27 major symphony orchestras of the
children based upon a matter of national
lives through presentations relevant to
enable the foreign tourist in the U. S. to
U.S. during 1976. Television presentation
concern. The product submitted has been
pressing national issues.
reap the full benefits of his visit.
of the Festival of American Orchestras
entitled "Hamburger, French Fries, and a
will allow all Americans to experience
Coke" and uses the arts to deal with
Showboat Children's Theater, the Arts
Travel abroad has long been enriched by
firsthand the finest elements of our musi-
problems of the environment.
Where You Live
the Michelin and Baedecker guide series.
cal culture as a major Bicentennial focus.
The Eugene O'Neill Memorial Theater, the
The United States has no such compre-
The model program demonstrates how
The Festival will present American or-
New York City Center, and the South
hensive traveller's aid. While it is realized
the arts can be brought to bear upon the
Street Seaport have launched an exten-
that no volume can be all-inclusive of di-
chestras performaning newly commis-
pressing daily problems which our na-
sive program to bring a floating theater
verse attractions and resources, it is
sioned or repertoire works by American
tion faces. It is both entertaining and edu-
facility to the five boroughs of the city.
hoped that such a series would serve to
composers and will present documentary
cative. Its methods and techniques can be
The Showboat will serve as a learning
help the traveller expand what he sees
segments on the works performed as il-
adapted to art programs dealing with
when he "sees the USA," both in 1976
lustrations of American social and cul-
and performing center for children and
other matters of concern-nutrition, hu-
as a home for some 120 community and
and in the years to come. The interests
tural history, on the artists and com-
man relations, transportation, civic edu-
ethnic theater companies.
of writers, researchers, and publishers
posers, and on the development of the
cation, preservation, or the energy crisis.
has been assured but unless "up-front"-fi-
symphony orchestra in America.
It is a program which can be done on the
The Showboat is by nature mobile and
nancial support is found very soon, there
community, States, regional or national
Each of the major orchestras will ap-
will serve the City of New York, playing
will not be time to produce this cultural
level and which a group could use as a
one-week stands at piers and bulkhead
pear once within the Festival, and broad-
catalogue of our time and our country.
single event or a continuing program. It
sites throughout the five boroughs. The-
casts will take place once a week or bi-
is a program which is directed toward our
ater will thus be brought to the people in
weekly. Each presentation will feature one
or more American soloists and an Ameri-
most creative and neglected audiences-
their own neighborhoods. Negotiations
children.
are under way for similar centers in other
can work.
"I Hear America Singing,
cities to be sponsored by the O'Neill
"Hamburger" itself is an actual Bicenten-
The Varied Carols I Hear
The Festival plan calls for the orchestra
Center.
to remain autonomous in choosing works
nial project being undertaken by The Arts
for a Revitalized Environment. It is being
The aims of the program are to establish
to be performed and performing artists,
The Bicentennial is a time to explore the
but calls for the establishment of a co-
prepared by this organization for a na-
creative theater in its rightful place in
full range and diversity of American art
ordinative mechanism to insure that ef-
education, to place a performing center
at the service of New York's neighbor-
Contributions of minority artists include "Little Sweet" by William H. Johnson.
and to stimulate not stifle creativity. Ad-
forts and performances are not dupli-
herence to these fundamental tenets led
cated. Funding sources are being sought.
hood theater companies and to provide
the Arts Advisory Panels and the Festival
teachers with resources for study. Broad
vides a geographic perspective to prod-
in State festivals. One such festival is the
USA Committee to recommend that the
cast and tape labs will be available, and
Bicentennial Festivals of the Arts: Jazz,
uct skills throughout the U.S. and features
Texas Folklife Festival which is supported
ARBC neither designate an official work
television workshops are planned. The
Indian Dance Hispanic-American Culture,
every year the diverse traditions found
by an innovative center for the study of
in each art form nor itself commission
Showboat Theater Center will be pro-
Drama
within one state; and Old Ways in the
Texan culture, The Institute of Texan Cul-
works to commemorate the Bicentennial.
grammed fourteen hours a day with per-
New World, which brings together the
tures.
The ARBC is developing plans for Festi-
The ARBC concurred in these recom-
formances for children in the morning
vals of American Culture which will tour
music, dance, crafts and customs of eth-
nic groups in the United States and for-
The folklife festival, whether on the na-
mendations and adopted them as its
and afternoon; workshops for teachers
the nation in 1975 and 1976. Each of the
policy.
and special audiences in the afternoon
Festivals will highlight a particular as-
eign groups presenting their Old World
tional, regional, State, or local level, pro-
and neighborhood theater at night.
antecedents.
vides an excellent way for Americans to
pect of the pluralistic culture of the
explore their roots and join together in
Designation of a single work as the of-
United States and will document an in-
The Showboat program, which has re-
A pilot touring program of the Old Ways
presenting the art which they have made
ficial song, hymn, poem, symphony,
digenous art form through performances
ceived Official Recognition from the
in the New World segment of the 1973
from their own experience. On all levels
chorus, oration, etc. has been suggested
and commentary. In the case of each of
ARBC, provides a model for making the
Festival which featured Yugoslavia to
there is the unique opportunity to in-
many times. In the discussion it was
the Festivals-of Jazz, of American In-
arts available to the people where they
Serbo-Croatian communities in several
volve diverse groups-young and old
noted that designation would not allow
dian Dance, and of Hispanic-American
live and work in water cities throughout
States was made possible through a
scholars, industrial workers and man-
the people of the country to be involved
Culture-efforts will be made to insure
the U.S. It is a program which exhibits
transfer of funds made by the ARBC. The
agers, members of ethnic communities,
in the selection. Noted too was the recom-
the authenticity of performances and ma-
great potential for interaction between
touring of these groups will pave the way
and service organizations. The folklife
mendation of the Arts Advisory Panels
terial presented and to promote as wide-
smaller towns and cities and for the co-
for an extension of the research and re-
festival is an outstanding vehicle for cor-
that "The competition of the marketplace
spread participation on the part of the
operation of locally based industry, busi-
sources of the Festival into an effective
porations and businesses to disperse
is the best judge." The Bicentennial will
American public as possible.
ness, organizations, and governments.
nationwide program in 1976 involving
their support among diverse interest
be filled with occasions when diverse
works by many artists could be featured
The development of these festivals
many foreign nations and communities
groups.
Festivals of American Folklife, What Has
across the country and will enable co-
and performed thus giving impetus to Art
springs from the natural impetus of Amer-
Made Us and What We Are
ican communities to celebrate themselves
sponsoring community organizations to
The American Guidebook Series, The
Guideline B which calls for "programs
The Smithsonian Institution's annual Fes-
develop experience in planning and pro-
Baedecker of Brooklyn, Biloxi and Butte
which encourage the presentation, Inter-
and their traditions in a variety of ways.
tival of Folklife in Washington, D.C., pre-
ducing these innovative cultural pres-
The ARBC is actively seeking corporate
pretation, and reconstruction of tradi-
Each of the planned Festivals of Ameri-
sents indigenous and imported crafts,
entations.
sponsorship of a State-by-State guide to
tional works." Finally, it was felt that "Of-
can Culture will provide the opportunity
skills, dances, music, lore, and traditions
inform the Bicentennial traveller of the
ficial Designation" of any single work in
for Americans as a national community
of the United States.
The annual focus of the Festival upon one
nation's cultural heritage inherent in its
any field was not appropriate at this time;
to celebrate and learn about those native
of the fifty States will be expanded in 1976
architecture, landscape and urban design,
that to choose, for instance, among "God
arts which make us unique as a nation.
The Festival focuses upon four theme
to all of the States and territories. As a
and fine and performing arts.
Bless America," "America The Beautiful,"
In a related effort, the ARBC has con-
areas: Native Americans, which explores
result of previous Festivals, interest on
"My Country 'Tis of Thee" or a new work
tracted with the American Theater Asso-
the culture and lifestyle of the American
the State level in characteristics of the
The inexpensive guide, written for the
would not serve to promote full expres-
ciation to develop a plan to introduce
Indians, Eskimos and Aleuts; Working
State has been stimulated, and an in-
average traveller, will indicate the po-
sion in honor of the Bicentennial. Rather
Bicentennial themes and expand the
America, which deals with the occupa-
creasing number of States are research-
litical, economic, ethnic, social and his-
than single out one work, all forms of
reach of the Annual College Theater Fes-
tional skills, crafts, and lore of the Ameri-
ing their folk traditions and the contribu-
torical background of each State, the
American art should be given the widest
tival.
Native traditions will be highlighted.
can worker: Regional Folklore, which pro-
tions of ethnic groups for presentation
District of Columbia, and the Territories
circulation.
materials depicting the technology of the
in his lifetime. His first public recognition
Visitors to the farm can watch archeolo-
highway itself.
came in 1946, 20 years after he had
gists digging up the broken pots, pans
ceased to compose, when he was elected
and other utensils thrown away by fami-
The plan calls for the commissioning of
to the National Institute of Arts and Let-
lies who have lived on the farm since
twelve artists in residence who will live
ters. The following year, 1947, Ives' "Third
1680, help stone masons and carpenters
cities along the Interstate during the
Symphony" had its first performance and
restore the original farm house, spring
eation of their work. During their resi-
was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Charles
house, smoke house, and barn, assist
dencies, the artists will be encouraged
Ives composed symphonies, orchestral
farmers in clearing the land and planting
to meet with local townspeople and par-
suites, chamber music, choral works and
fields and orchards, experiment in the
ticipate in activities with schools and col-
many songs. His instrumental works
18th century kitchen on colonial recipes.
leges in the area. Artists will be selected
abound with patriotic titles and sub-titles:
on the basis of their willingness to partici-
When completed, the farm will still pro-
"1776 Overture"; "Elegy to our Fore-
pate in such a program and the submis-
vide ample opportunity for participation.
fathers"; "The Concord Sonata"; "Varia-
sion of designs and ideas that will en-
Visitors will be able to help the twelve
tions on America"; and "My Native Land."
hance the natural character of each loca-
members of the "family" who will actually
He also found inspiration in such com-
tion.
live in the original farm buildings with
monplace subjects as "The Circus Band,"
such chores as forging tools, raising and
A significant part of the program will be
"The Camp Meeting," "Some Southpaw
harvesting crops, weaving fabric and
the stimulation of an effective partnership
Pitching," "An Election," "The Gong on
making clothes, preserving food for win-
between businesses, city and State gov-
the Hook and Ladder," and "Three Places
ter, raising and slaughtering livestock,
ernments, and the academic and profes-
in New England."
salting and smoking meat, spinning yarn,
sional communities. The Lincoln Chamber
Leading musical figures who have joined
churning butter, repairing the farm build-
of Commerce and the Chambers of Com-
the Centennial Festival Committee in-
ings, building furniture, feeding the ani-
merce of cities near the rest stops se-
clude Leonard Bernstein, John Cage,
mals, and preparing the daily meals. In
lected, Nebraska corporations and busi-
Aaron Copland, Frederick Fennell, Eu-
addition, visitors will be able to join in on
nesses with commitments to art with
gene Ormandy, Leopold Stokowski and
story-telling sessions, fiddle and bagpipe
leadership from the local Business Com-
Virgil Thomson.
playing and singing. The variety of things
mittee on the Arts, the University of Ne-
New and traditional works will enrich and enliven the Bicentennial arts.
to see will change from day to day and
braska and the Sheldon Memorial Art Gal-
Middletown, Pennsylvania.
from season to season, and Monday's
lery in Lincoln, the State of Nebraska De-
Millions of Americans every year go to
visitor may have very different things to
partment of Roads, the Department of
museums, but how many get to see a
relate than Thursday's.
Similar concern for promoting creative
Around the Nation in
comets and eclipses and hear the legends
Economic Development, the Federal
expression prompted the adoption of the
which go with them. Live actors will be
museum in the making? The innovative
The museum will present an accurate pic-
The Arts
Highway Department, and the Omaha
used as well as audio tapes, slides, film
creators of an 18th century living history
ture of life on a working farm in 1776.
policy that the ARBC not commission in-
Riverfront Development Committee are
dividual art works. Noting the pre-emptive
and other equipment.
farm located in Ridley Creek State Park,
"If you come to this place, you'll see what
cooperating with the Bicentennial Com-
Pennsylvania are welcoming visitors who
someone would have seen on an 18th
effect of an official program of commis-
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The legends will be dramatized with au-
mission and the Arts Council to carry out
come to watch the making of a museum
sionings and the substantial number of
Americans are schooled in Greek and
century farm in Southeastern Pennsyl-
thenticity and in the same spirit they were
the program.
but who instead pitch in and help.
commissionings already underway (see
Norse myths and are taught Arabic and
vania-complete with dirt, mosquitos,
told hundreds of years ago. Animals such
Article elsewhere), a strong recommenda-
Latin names for stars. Until now, few of
as the "Little Fisher" and the Coyote W
liami, Florida.
Dr. Jay Anderson, coordinator of the
mud, and tired people," Dr. Anderson
tion was made in accord with the Art
us have ever heard the names or learned
wanted to dance with the stars, will tell
he musical community of Miami, Florida,
American Studies graduate program at
commented.
Guidelines that emphasis be put on the
the myths and legends which come from
their own stories-as well as the small
is planning a monumental Festival hon-
Pennsylvania State University and Di-
The project, which was undertaken by the
creative artists in America and the cen-
the heritage of the native Americans. We
creatures who are part of an Indian story
oring the 100th birthday of American com-
rector of the project, said "Right now we
Bishop Mill Historical Society and made
trality of their role in our lives. Dance and
seldom, if ever, come to appreciate that
of how the stars came to be.
poser Charles Ives. From October 1974
draw 1,000 on a weekend for our 'mu-
possible by sizeable grants from the
opera companies, theater and choral
this "New World" of ours is in fact vastly
through May 1975, the music of Charles
seum in the making.' It's a bit like Saw-
Pennsylvania Bicentennial Commission
groups, symphonies and art centers are
rich in ancient culture.
While the notion of dramatizing legends
Ives will be taken to virtually every music
yer's whitewash fence. They come out of
and Delaware County, will probably never
all urged to commission works by Ameri-
and folklore is not new, certainly the
constituency in the Metropolitan Miami
curiosity and stay to dig or scrape paint
lose its zealous participators. There will
can artists so that the multiplicity of their
The Kirkpatrick Planetarium at the Okla-
uniqueness of portraying legends dealing
area. Instead of gathering a limited pub-
or
sew.
I think when the museum is
always be enough to do-as there al-
homa Science and Arts Foundation in
expression is evident in the Bicentennial.
with the sky is original and a facet of
lic at a few places for several all-Ives
made we'll all feel sort of sorry."
ways was on a farm in 1776.
Art Guideline A calls for "programs which
Oklahoma City has developed a program
American culture which, for the most part,
concerts, some of his more than 170
for the Bicentennial which will dramatic-
encourage the development of new works
has been ignored.
works will be included on the regular
in all arts media that deal with significant
ally teach and display the Indian legends
programs of 20 participating organiza-
of the heavens. The presentations will
Nebraska.
aspects of the American experience."
tions during the 1974-75 music season.
Focus on American Opera:
mission New York City Opera; premiere
occur during the summer months of 1976,
The Nebraska Bicentennial Commission
and will be an expansion of previously
and the Nebraska Arts Council are plan-
All visiting artists and ensembles on the
Central Opera Service
New York City Opera, 1976
In a related action, the issue of recom-
mending that a change in the National
done programs.
ning a project to place twelve specially
various concert series are being invited to
Undertakes Bicentennial
Lyric Opera of Chicago, Carol Fox, Mgr.,
Anthem be made in honor of the Bicen-
commissioned pieces of sculpture at rest
include at least one Ives selection on their
Miami programs. Any works in the reper-
Information Program
Chicago, Illinois
tennial was considered. Proponents of a
Planetariums are usually utilized for sci-
change advocate a more singable Na-
entific lectures using the domes as a
stops along Interstate 80.
title to be announced, Krzystof Pender-
tory not offered on the several series will
tional Anthem. During the deliberations
demonstration tool for projecting the sky.
The Central Opera Service (COS), lo-
ecki; American subject matter; commis-
The program will provide Nebraskans and
be performed at special convocations by
their more than six million annual visitors
professional musicians on the faculties of
cated at Lincoln Center in New York City,
sion Lyric Opera of Chicago; premiere
it was noted that the National Anthem
The Kirkpatrick Planetarium believes this
is a limited field and has experimented
access to the arts outside museum walls.
the University of Miami, the Miami Dade
is operating a Bicentennial Information
same, 1976
was not simply a song and that it was not
successfully in greatly enlarging the
In the rest stop setting, where the closest
Program (BIP) to enable opera companies
a means to display singing ability. It was
Junior Colleges, and Barry College. Spe-
Seattle Opera Association, Inc., Glynn
felt that it was inappropriate to use the
scope of its presentations-including pro-
thing to sculpture is usually a porcelain
cial concerts and convocations will be
and opera workshops to coordinate their
Ross, Gen. Dir., Seattle, Washington
Bicentennial to change the National An-
grams on environment, mythology and
drinking fountain, travellers will be able
devoted to the World Premieres of pre-
plans for 1976. COS/BIP hopes this will
THE PARIAHS, Leonard Kastle; libr:
them; that when you hear the strains of
early civilizations. One of the most popu-
to relax and enjoy both the natural beauty
avoid scheduling premieres on the same
viously unpublished Ives' works. There
same; on early whaling era in U.S.;
the "Star-Spangled Banner," you know
lar shows in the past two years has been
of the area and the creativity of the artist.
will also be a number of public lectures
date, using the same subject matter for
premiere Seattle Opera, summer 1976
it is your Anthem and that you are an
one utilizing American Indian sky legends
by distinguished musicians and musicolo-
opera commissions or planning revivals of
called "The Feather Moon."
The sculptors may use conventional ma-
gists who are authorities on Ives and his
the same early American opera. A sam-
American; and that the historic and tradi-
Dallas Civic Opera, Lawrence Kelly, Gen.
terials, such as stone or metal; or ma-
pling from their first report indicates con-
tional values of the current National An-
"The Feather Moon" concept will be
music.
Mgr., Dallas, Texas
terials directly related to the land itself,
siderable activity and advance planning
EL CAPITAN, John Phillip Sousa;
them were of prime importance. Conse-
greatly enlarged for the Bicentennial.
such as formed earth structures, bodies
The Festival is a non-profit, tax-exempt
for the Bicentennial.
premiere New York City, 1896; first
quently, the ARBC declined to recom-
Kirkpatrick staff plans to write and pro-
of water or fountains, landscaped ar-
project to provide a fitting tribute to one
production by major American company;
mend to Congress that a change in the
duce a two-act "drama" designed for
rangements of trees or grasses; or char-
of America's foremost cultural figures.
New York City Opera, Julius Rudel, Gen.
Dallas, 1976, with new orchestration com-
Anthem be made. In 1931 by Act of Con-
performance in a planetarium. Seated
acteristic forms and materials of Ne-
Ives was a successful businessman who
Dir., New York, NY
missioned by same
gress the "Star-Spangled Banner" was
under a night sky, the audience will see
braska's agricultural heritage, such as
composed without concern for publica-
HENDERSON, THE RAIN KING, Leon
designated the National Anthem.
the stars, constellations, meteor showers,
farm machinery, irrigation equipment; or
tion, performance or public acceptance
Kirchner: after Saul Bellow's novel; com-
Goldovsky Opera Theatre & Institute,
Colorado
that Festival USA should not concen-
which I just described we try to empha-
trate on any one area, group, or type of
size the arts as evidenced in the com-
THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE, Douglas
Moore; libr: John Latouche; on historical
program, rather it should involve all
munity. We are also aware that the most
events and people, silver mining in Colo-
expressions and activities. It should be
recent census statistics report that sixty
rado; commissioned and premiered
joyous and at the same time face reali-
percent of all Americans define them-
Central City Opera House, 1956; revival
ties. It ought to be pleasurable as well as
selves as ethnic. The Bicentennial arts
by same, 1976
productive, but it should always be
must express the pluralism of our culture.
people-oriented. It is our hope that all
We are trying with what limited resources
Hawaii Bicentennial Commission, Hono-
Americans will not be intolerant of their
we have at our disposal (and you must
lulu, Hawaii
fellow citizens who happen to have a
realize that we have almost no grant
title to be announced; original Hawaiian
different idea of how to celebrate our
making capabilities) to provide indi-
opera
200th Anniversary.
viduals, groups, organizations, etc. with
information which will be helpful to them
Mobile Opera Guild, James Yestadt, Gen.
Q. Does the Festival USA program plan
Dir., Mobile, Alabama
to involve the average American or just
in planning their own arts activities.
"the greats"?
Examples of this are the imminent publi-
SUSANNAH, Carlisle Floyd; libr: same;
Susannah and the Elders set in Tennes-
cations of an inventory of painting and
see mountain valley; premiere Florida
A. Each program we are working on has
sculpture by Afro-American artists and a
as its focus the activities and needs of
handbook for community use in planning
State University, Tallahassee, 1955;
perf. March 1976
Americans in their normal daily lives,
local folklife festivals.
what they see on the street where they
New England Regional Opera, J. Richard
Q. A year ago, President Nixon invited
live, the places to which they travel, the
Marshall, Gen. Mgr., Middleboro, Massa-
all of the nations of the world to come
way in which they travel, the things that
chusetts
George Lang, Chairman, Festival USA.
visit America for the Bicentennial and
they do in their spare time. For example,
THEY NOBLY DAR'D, MacFeeley; libr:
in the travel and hospitality area we are
asked Americans to open their doors to
Pullen & Sullivan; on start of American
putting together a directory of low-cost
visitors. What is Festival USA doing to
Revolution in Lexington; premiere in
Questions and answers
accommodations and an action plan for
help Americans prepare for the influx of
Lexington, 1960's; rewriting commis-
visitors and the increased number of
the development of a nationwide network
sioned by above for performances in
about Festival USA
of these types of facilities. This ambitious
Americans traveling to see their own
summer 1976
project will make it more possible for
country?
young people and families to avoid the
A. Such an invitation would be a disaster
Shreveport Symphony, John Shenaut,
George Lang was appointed to the ARBC
high cost of travel and to find a com-
if preparation is not made by communi-
Mus. Dir., Shreveport, La.
in 1969. As the first Chairman of the
fortable and clean place to stay that is in
ties to provide services that these
title to be announced, Elie Siegmeister;
Medals and Coins Committee, he was
reach of modest budgets.
travelers must have. Many of the prob-
on Louisiana history and traditions; com-
greatly responsible for the more than $3
million profits raised in the first year that
In the arts, we have a quiet extraordinary
lems that travelers, both international and
mission Shreveport Symphony, which
also commissioned the same composer
has been given in grants to state and
pilot program going in three communities
domestic, face in trying to see this coun-
to write a symphonic work and a ballet
local projects. For the past several years
to develop techniques and resources for
try can be defined at the national level-
for premiere in 1976
e has served as the Chairman of the
dramatizing the cultural heritage of the
however, the solutions must come at the
community. By that I mean that the evi-
local level. Therefore, it has been the
Tucson Opera Company, John Sullivan,
Festival USA Committee, dealing with
the arts, travel and hospitality. Mr. Lang
dence of our growth as a culture in the
work of Festival USA to provide a per-
Art. Dir., Tucson, Arizona
smaller towns across our nation is just
spective of the needs and to outline ways
THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE, Douglas
came to the U.S. from Hungary in 1946.
The head of his own international food
as important as the artifacts and exhibits
and provide resources for communities
Moore; libr: John Latouche, on historical
and marketing consulting firm, he special-
of major museums. Things like the archi-
to develop housing, transportation and
events and people, silver mining in Colo-
tecture on main street, tools which we
information services. We will be publish-
rado; premiere Central City, Colorado,
izes in the development of new concepts
make for utility and beauty, and the
ing, for example, a handbook defining
1956
and special marketing programs for
decorative arts in our homes. Material
areas that need some work and giving
hotels, restaurants, airlines, shipping
lines, etc. Previously he was Corporate
gathered in this project will be used for a
suggestions on projects that individuals
Colgate University Theater, Atlee Sproul,
Vice-President for Restaurant Associates
handbook for communities to use in ex-
and groups can undertake to make the
Ford's Theater recently revived John Philip Sousa's "El Capitan."
Dir., Dana Arts Center, Hamilton, New
Industries, Inc. A violinist and a chef in
ploring their own cultural characteristics.
trip easier and more pleasurable. These
York
Also, we hope to be able to set up a re-
include formation of neighborhood infor-
title to be announced, Dexter Morrill;
his youth, he has authored several cook-
libr: Atlee Sproul; after Garland's "Main
books and contributed to the Encyclo-
source bank of experts to assist com-
mation centers, menus in restaurant
windows translated into several lan-
Boris Goldovsky, Art Dir., New York tour-
San Diego Opera, Walter Herbert, Gen.
Travelled Roads;" set during Recon-
paedia Britannica.
munities in developing their programs.
guages by students, emergency health
ing company
Dir., San Diego, Calif.
struction; premiere Colgate University,
The giants, the leaders in the arts have
care, exchange of monies, maps which
EMILY DICKINSON, Jan Meyerowitz;
Q. What is your concept of what the Bi-
THE UNFORGIVEN, Alva Henderson;
1976
an extremely important role too. A Rocke-
libr: Dorothy Gardner after her book
centennial should be and how does the
will inform the visitor as he walks through
after Alan LeMay's book on the conflict
feller Report in the mid-sixties stated that
town, use of buses, etc.
"Eastward of Eden;" premiere Wayne
Willamette University Opera Theatre,
Festival USA program fit into this?
of Indians and settlers in Texas, 1895;
90% of the population does not attend
State University, Detroit, Michigan, 1951;
commission under consideration; tenta-
Julio Viamonte, Dir., School of Music,
A. The Bicentennial means something
even one cultural event in a year, so we
Everybody is interested in having visitors
first pfs. by professional company, New
tive premiere, San Diego, 1976
Salem, Oregon
different to each American. There are,
have asked the great artists and great
come to their town but they have to be
England tour, 1976
THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER,
companies to reach out to these people
sure that the visitor is well taken care of.
however, certain concerns that we all
After Dinner Opera Company/New Old
Douglas Moore; after Stephen Vincent
during the Bicentennial. Look at the pro-
These are real problems which must be
share: improving the quality of life for
Kansas City Lyric Theater, Russell Patter-
American Company, Beth Flusser, Mgr.,
Benet's folk drama; premiere N.Y. City,
everyone, the involvement in every com-
grams of the Seattle Opera where they
solved. You won't get much credit for
son, Gen. Dir., Kansas City, Missouri
New York, New York
1939; performance at Willamette and
munity of sharing experiences and re-
will involve high school students in
doing them. They won't get you in the
THE SWEET BYE AND BYE, Jack Bee-
THE DISAPPOINTMENT, Andrew Barton;
other schools, March 1976
sources, the desire to make our institu-
production and performance. This is a
limelight but they must be done or the
son; libr: Kenward Elmslie; set in Atlantic
first American opera (1767); spoof on
tions reflect the needs and desires of
superlative example of getting people
Bicentennial won't be very pleasant for
City and New York City in late '20's;
search for Blackbeard's treasure in
According to responses to the COS
every citizen. The Bicentennial offers us
involved with one of the finest U.S. opera
the visitor, or for that matter, the resi-
premiere Juilliard School, New York
America; includes first known appearance
questionnaire, the following opera com-
companies. It is a good model for others
dent. These projects are all viable if each
the opportunity to re-examine what has
City, 1957
of "Yankee Doodle;" previously re-
panies are planning to commission new
made us, to evaluate what we are, and
to follow.
citizen in each community does his share.
hearsed but no performance recorded;
operas for premiere during the Bicen-
to move toward what we want to be.
Q. What is the thrust of the Bicen-
Q. Can Festival USA accomplish its goals
Pittsburgh Opera, Inc., Richard Karp,
premiere New Old American Opera Com-
tennial year; however, no definite com-
Gen. & Mus. Dir., Pittsburgh, Pa.
pany in historical restorations in N.Y.
tennial arts program?
alone?
mitments have been announced.
Basically, Festival USA involves the arts,
THE CRUCIBLE, Robert Ward; libr:
City (South Street Seaport and others)
San Francisco Opera-Opera Associa-
ravel, hospitality, athletics, exhibits, fairs
A. If the Bicentennial is to be really a
Bernard Stambler; on Salem witch hunt;
tion of New Mexico-Opera Guild of
and festivals. Ideas and feelings are as
A. Our major goal is two-fold-to bring
nationwide experience, it must be sup-
premiere N.Y. City Opera, 1961; pfs. by
Central City Opera House Association,
Greater Miami-Minnesota Opera Com-
manifold about these categories as there
the arts to the people and the people to
ported by government agencies, corpora-
above, 1976
Robert F. Lotito, Exec. Mgr., Central City,
pany-New York City Opera
are people in this country. It is my opinion
the arts. For example, in the program
tions, organizations and individuals. For
a long time, no one was thinking about
A. Festival USA with very little money
ARBC Takes Action:
agement is to be provided to admission
the Bicentennial in terms of cogent pro-
has initiated many programs. It has
grams because, perhaps, it seemed
given its support to others. It has asked
Projects Recognized-
free events, to those activities expressing
the pluralistic nature of American society,
distant. However, everyone must be
experts for advice and set goals and
Policies Set
and those which point toward new direc-
conscious that the time is running out.
priorities. Funding is always a problem.
tions in relationships between the arts
Federal agencies, such as the Smith-
But if you begin to worry and take apart
Official Actions
and the American community. December
sonian, the Endowments, the U.S. Travel
a program because you are not going to
get money or this or that group will be
I. Projects Accorded Official Recognition
8, 1972.
Service, etc., have developed some things
which mirror both our goals and theirs.
against it, then nothing will happen. We
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST: Sponsored
FULL USE OF AMERICAN ARTS: Re-
Other organizations and institutions are
worry about what should happen, whether
by Time-Life Books. Focuses on theme of
solved by the ARBC. Citing the need to
just beginning to ask themselves, what
it costs money or not, whether it is going
"A Declaration of Interdependence."
encourage full expression, the presenta-
can they do? Some organizations reflect
to cost fewer dollars or not, we should
Entries were to be submitted by July 4,
tion of the diversity of American artistic
in their work the goals set up by this
not be concerned. We would have no
1973. June 18, 1971.
achievement and the need to stimulate
Commission but have been doing these
reason to exist if we give up our-not
not stifle creativity. The ARBC declined
types of things for a long time. Corpora-
right, but duty-in this direction. On the
MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MONU-
to adopt any single work as the official
tions represent a major resource for
other hand, we are not interested in re-
MENT: Sponsored by South Dakota
work, or to itself commission Bicenten-
worthwhile programs and are often eager
ceiving truck loads of inspiring phrases,
ARBC. Additional facilities and cere-
nial works or to recommend change in
for program ideas. Basically, we try to
pregnant plans, and not much more. If
monies at Mt. Rushmore site by 1976.
the National Anthem. October 31, 1973.
coordinate programs and resources and
worthy programs are going to be reali-
December 10, 1971.
stimulate types of activities which will
ties they must first be substantiated by
SHOWBOAT CHILDREN'S THEATER:
make Festival USA more than a collec-
facts, figures, budgets and doable timing
Sponsored by the Eugene O'Neill Me-
tion of bureaucratic type projects usually
ARBC Moves on Programs
and approved by the national organiza-
morial Theater Center. Model program
emanating from Washington commissions.
tion. Of course, not even all these will
for establishment of innovative, highly
in Arts, Travel and
Q. Do you have any further comments
find needed monies. But if we dream two
mobile Children's Theater Center for
Hospitality
which you'd like to make on your role in
hundred dreams, maybe we'll end up with
New York City which will additionally pro-
Festival USA?
a few realities.
vide a home for over 120 community and
Festival USA: Current ARBC Projects
ethnic theater groups in the five boroughs
AMERICAN FOLK ART COMPANY:
of New York City. September 8, 1972.
Feasibility study of performing troupe
NATIONAL SQUARE DANCE CONVEN-
completed under contract with Division
TION: Sponsored by California Square
of Performing Arts, Smithsonian Institu-
Dance Council. 25th National Square
tion. Festival Committee recommended
Dance Convention to be held June 24-26,
further work to set up and video tape a
1976, in Anaheim, California. Trail dances
model company which could be activated
for the Bicentennial.
to be held across the nation prior to Con-
vention. Emphasis on square dancing as
FESTIVAL OF AMERICAN FOLKLIFE:
unique American dance form. September
ARBC grant to Smithsonian's Annual
8, 1972.
Festival enabled introduction of new
We, as a people, share a common legacy and purpose with the people of the world.
theme "Old Ways in a New World" in-
OPERATION SAIL '76: Sponsored by
volving international participation. Pilot
Operation Sail '76, Inc. An international
touring of foreign groups allowed ethnic
program for 1976 involving 20 foreign
groups to compare their traditions with
nations and almost all, if not all, the re-
those of the "Mother Country" and tested
maining 30 tall sailing vessels left in the
PUEBLO CIVIC SYMPHONY ASSOCIA-
SOUND AND LIGHT AT THE U.S. CAPI-
techniques for 1976 nationwide touring.
world today. The project will include a
TION BICENTENNIAL PROGRAM: Spon-
TOL: Planned by the U.S. Capitol His-
race from Spain to Bermuda and visits
sored by the Pueblo Civic Symphony
torical Society. Multi-media exposition
FOLK FESTIVAL HANDBOOK: First draft
to selected United States ports. April 23,
Association. A model program for Bi-
will focus upon the historical develop-
complete for handbook describing how to
1973.
centennial participation by smaller
ment of the Capitol and its present
set up and run a folk festival. Evaluation
symphony orchestras with special focuses
significance to the American people. In
and publication pending.
SISTER CITY PROGRAM: Sponsored by
on state, regional and Pan American
addition, a film will be developed to be
BICENTENNIAL ARTS GRANTS: ARBC
the Town Affiliation Association. Sister
culture and widespread community in-
used at the National Visitors Center.
grant to National Endowment for the Arts
Cities Bicentennial Program aims at more
volvement. October 31, 1973.
September 14, 1973.
enabled funding for Bicentennial pro-
than doubling the number of U.S. and
SEATTLE OPERA ASSOCIATION: BI-
foreign cities engaged in the Sister City
III. ARBC Policy Resolutions for Festival
grams in general categories of touring
CENTENNIAL PROGRAM: Sponsored by
USA
and expansion arts. Announcement of
Program by 1976, will establish a special
the Seattle Opera Association. Marked
individual grants pending.
Bicentennial committee which will con-
expansion of regular programming in-
TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY PRIORITIES
tinue the development of people-to-
FESTIVALS OF THE ARTS: Under con-
volving broad community participation
IN THE UNITED STATES: Resolved by
people contact and social, cultural and
the ARBC. Use of low cost, easily avail-
tract, plans are being developed for Festi-
including high school students in per-
technical exchange, will provide assist-
vals of American Indian Dance, Jazz, and
formance and production of new works
able accommodations, home hospitality,
ance to Sister Cities wishing to become
Hispanic-American Culture. Corporate
and unusually large number of American
housing, encouragement of domestic
active in Bicentennial programs. July 9,
support will be sought for the festivals
operas. October 31, 1973.
foreign travel, use of international signs
1973.
which will be nationwide events. Each
and symbols, reduced fares, develop-
plan will identify major participants, sub-
NINETY-NINES BICENTENNIAL PRO-
II. Projects Awarded Official Letter of
ment of foreign language capability,
Encouragement
standards for Bicentennial tours, and
ject content, financial and organizational
GRAM: Sponsored by the Ninety-Nines,
requirements.
health care for all visitors during the
Women's Flying Organization. Their
FESTIVAL OF AMERICAN SYMPHONY
Bicentennial Era. September 8, 1972.
INVENTORY OF PAINTING AND SCULP-
Bicentennial Star Program consists of
ORCHESTRAS: Planned by the Public
TURE BY AFRO-AMERICAN ARTISTS:
five parts: An International Forest of
Broadcast System (PBS) and the Corpora-
BICENTENNIAL ARTS PRIORITIES: Re-
Friendship (tree planting at airports);
tion for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
solved by the ARBC. Strong emphasis
This preliminary listing of works and
international airport marking program;
Televised series will present the major
should be placed on Bicentennial activi-
artists has been received. Manuscript re-
airport clean-up; international delivery of
American Symphony Orchestras per-
ties which secure firm footing for arts in
view and publication pending.
the President's Invitation to the World
forming works by American composers
the daily life of the people to involve the
INVENTORY OF BLACK PHOTOG-
Message; and women pilots' Heritage
and will document the American musical
largest number of people consistent with
RAPHERS 1849-1940: Preliminary listing
It is the people that we celebrate-all the people, we the people.
Museum. July 9, 1973.
heritage. September 14, 1973.
the particular art form. Special encour-
of photographers and their work being
developed under contract.
complete. Data analysis and final con-
History of Jazz
FACILITIES SURVEY: Questionnaire pre-
tract report pending.
The Smithsonian Institution has recently
pared for mailing nationwide to man-
issued a comprehensive history of jazz,
agers of facilities capable of housing
including a six record set and a 48 page
audiences of 400 or more. Listing will
Resources for Bicentennial
book of history, discography, and photo-
provide standard set of data on each
graphs. Available from: Classic Jazz,
Planners
facility and will assist groups in plan-
P.O. Box 14196, Washington, D.C. 20044
ning tours in every state.
($20.00 plus $1.50 for postage & handling)
Resources
NATIONWIDE CIRCUIT: Contracts are
Ethnic Art Slide Library
A few of the sources for information and
being let to identify the procedures,
Slides available at minimal cost on the
services which are helpful in developing
organizational needs, and services to be
works of Mexican-American, Black, and
a Bicentennial arts, travel or hospitality
provided by a central mechanism for co-
American Indian artists. For catalogue
program are:
ordinating the touring arts in the Bicen-
and information, contact: Ethnic American
Tourism in the USA
tennial.
Art Slide Library, The College of Arts
Destination USA, the report of the Na-
and Sciences, The University of South
FESTIVAL OF COLLEGE DRAMA: Plans
tional Tourism Resources Review Com-
Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36688
are being developed under contract to
mission (June 1973) presents an over-
give a Bicentennial focus to the Annual
view of the tourism industry in the U.S.
Folklore Information
College Theater Festival.
Available from: Superintendent of
Listings of 1973 Folk Music Events, and
Documents, Government Printing Office,
of archives and collections, record com-
ART TASK FORCE: Pilot work is in
Washington, D.C. 20402 ($1.75)
panies and recordings of folk music and
progress in three towns to stimulate the
folklore. For listings contact: Archive of
community to rediscover its own indi-
The Travelling Public
Folk Song, Music Division, Library of
vidual cultural heritage. The experiences
A statistical analysis of the travelling
Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540
and projects of each community will be
public, a census of transportation is pre-
compiled into a handbook to show other
sented in the National Travel Survey,
Media Handbook for the Arts
communities how to use their own re-
1972. Superintendent of Documents,
Describes use of community media re-
sources and techniques in similar efforts.
Government Printing Office, Washington,
sources in arts programs. Available from:
Handbook to be published and widely
D.C. 20402 (1972 Survey TC72-N3)
Mid-American Arts Alliance, Systems
distributed. The three pilot communities
Building, Suite 233, 3835 Holdrege, Lin-
Travelling Exhibits Service
are Galveston, Texas; Quincy, Illinois;
coln, Nebraska 68503 ($1.00)
The Smithsonian Institution Travelling Ex-
and Tacoma, Washington.
hibits Service has available rental ex-
Government Publications
VISITOR SERVICES HANDBOOK: Hand-
hibits in the areas of Painting and
A variety of publications on many sub-
book describing projects to facilitate the
Sculpture, Prints and Drawings, Decor-
jects done by Federal agencies are avail-
visitor's stay is in final drafting stages.
ative Arts, Design, Architecture, History,
able through the Government Printing
Manuscript review and publication pend-
Children's Art and Toys, Natural History
Office. For listings of current publica-
ing.
and Photography. For information con-
tions, write to: Superintendent of Docu-
tact: Smithsonian Institution, Travelling
ments, Government Printing Office, Wash
LOW-COST ACCOMMODATIONS: Under
Exhibits Service, Washington, D.C. 20560
ington, D.C. 20402
contract, the survey of low-cost accom-
modations now underway. Material for
Touring Performance Service
Medical Insurance for International
The Smithsonian Institution Touring Per-
Visitors
plan to establish nationwide network
formance makes available to cultural and
American International Underwriters is
being gathered. Handbook describing
how to set up a low-cost accommodation
educational institutions performing
now offering short-term medical insur-
artists in several fields for one-day, three-
ance for the international visitor. The
is being compiled. Early 1974 publication
date set.
day, or five-day Encounters and Resi-
insurance may be taken out either abroad
dencies. For information contact: Touring
or in this country. For further informa-
HOME HOSPITALITY: Public opinion
Performance Service, Division of Per-
tion contact: American International
survey of attitudes toward providing and
forming Arts, Smithsonian Institution,
Underwriters, 1511 K Street, N.W., Wash-
using home hospitality in 1976 is now
Washington, D.C. 20560
ington, D.C. 20005
American Revolution
Postage and
Bicentennial
Fees Paid
Washington, D.C. 20276
Official Business
U.S.MAIL
Penalty for private use $300
INT 417
5 АНТАСТИН
LIDRAKY
FORD
.
BERALD
COMMUNITY CULTURAL HERITAGE
MANDATE:
"It is the people that we celebrate--not
the institutions, not the deeds, not the
events, however compelling; not the tech-
nological achievement, however striking; not
the leaders or the giants, however worthy.
These are found in other aspects of Bicentennial
planning. Festival USA is firmly focused on
people, all the people; we the people."
Preliminary Edition
Festival USA
"
strong emphasis should be put on Bicentennial
activities which point to new directions in the
relationship between American arts and the American
community specifically programs which extend the
creative experience into the daily lives of all of
our people. "
ARBA Art Guidelines
OBJECTIVE: To stimulate communities to discover and utilize
the evidence of our cultural heritage found within their own
community.
BACKGROUND: This project is geared toward the visual arts.
The major museums, repositories of the most celebrated
testimonies to our past, plan major exhibits for 1976. Be-
cause of the duty they owe their own community and because
of difficulties in security and deterioration, it is highly
doubtful that there will be any extensive touring of these
objects usually associated with our history and development.
Communities across the nation, especially those removed from
major urban areas, were waiting--waiting for exhibits which
would never come, which would speak to the great events and
personages which, while reflective of momentous events in
our history, nonetheless gave little attention to the effect
of those events on people and towns throughout the land.
FORD
+
BEKALD
LIBRAR
Yet each community undeniably has a past; each town has with-
in it the objects and traces that bear indelible witness to
the growth and culture of our nation as it evolved there;
each community has its own character imprinted with the dis-
tinctive contributions of the generations that have lived and
worked and passed away there.
But the communities seemed to feel that unless they had a
portrait of George Washington, what they had was not interest-
ing or important--that it did not tell the story.
PROGRAM: We have completed under contract a Pilot
Program in three communities utilizing task forces of five
professional artists in assisting the communities in develop-
ing techniques for the rediscovery and dramatization of
evidences of their cultural heritage. The Task Forces, com-
prised of a decorative arts historian, an architectural
historian, a photographer, a graphic artist and a community
coordinator, worked in Quincy, Illinois; Galveston, Texas
and Tacoma, Washington.
Some of the results of the programs have been:
*
Libraries which were the scenes of "American
Renaissance" Festivals involving everyone from
senior citizens to children in programs focus-
ing on town history, literature, railroads,
crafts, art, architecture, and music are now
complaining that they are too quiet;
*
Cookbooks on the ethnic cookery of the locales
which were predicted "not to sell more than ten
copies" have already sold hundreds of copies
and have been picked up for reissue and expan-
sion by the Chamber of Commerce;
Programs on the architecture of town buildings
which related the architectural style of the
building to its classic counterpart and which
emphasized the role of the design in the history
of the town have inspired historic reclamation
projects on the part of townspeople to save their
buildings;
*
Exhibitions of the works of local artists in town
businesses have served to initiate town-wide gallery
programs in banks, stores and offices;
Exhibits developed in the programs are now being
used by community members to turn other communities
on to the priceless cultural treasures to be found
in their towns.
The three communities chosen for the contracts were selected
with the assistance of State Arts Counsels and range in size,
cultural background and relative distance from major cultural
centers. It was considered important to choose communities
off of the east coast and to achieve geographic dispersion
among other areas of the country. Resultantly, findings of
the three pilot efforts are generalizable to communities of
a broad range in size and cultural influences and will be
applicable for towns in all areas of the country.
Materials submitted by the three task forces, including complete
reports, posters, slides, architectural tour books, and other
support material, will be combined in a packet of information
which will include the three case studies (reports) cross-
indexed to achieve ultimate useability as a manual, and illus-
trative support material. If a thoughtful reappraisal and
appreciation of our cultural legacy is to be a nationwide
Bicentennial activity, if all our citizens are to have the
opportunity to participate in the commemoration, and if our
diverse cultural legacy is to be viewed by visitors in 1976,
each community must be provided with the tools that will
enable it to take a new look at itself.
The body of volunteers in each community--the industry work-
men who manned exhibits of the contributions of local industry
to the town's growth, the senior citizens showing off their
craft skills, the school children researching and depicting
in pictures the history of their town and others--who made the
programs come alive and who continue to demonstrate its value,
were catalyzed by the vitality and expertise of the professional
artists. Thus, while the packet/manual is of prime importance
as a resource tool, an undoubted stimulus to a successful
community cultural heritage program on a nationwide scale is
making some professional expertise available to the communities
To this end, the next step in program development is the
establishment of a etalent roster" of professionals who could
respond to the specific community need.
tunu
s
GERALD
LIDHARY
9
ABBRARY
Ovni
>
"
779838
THE FOLK ARTS
MANDATE: "That we, as a people, are in part unique and have our own
inimitable individual expressions is indisputable, That we,
as a people, are in part universal, sharing a common legacy
and purpose with the people of the world is undeniable."
Preliminary Edition, Festival USA
OBJECTIVE: To encourage communities across the nation to
celebrate the pluralism of our culture and our ties to all
other nations.
BACKGROUND: Folk art in the United States derives from two
divergent traditions--first, the clinging to the customs and
culture of a nation whose peoples immigrated here; second,
the new expressions of people in a new land. It is imported
and indigenous. It is the traditions which we as a people
have drawn on and the traditions which we as a people have
created. We are a nation rich in the resource of people and
rich in the artistic traditions which are a part of the lives
of our people.
A Rockefeller study done in the 1960's states that 90% of our
citizens do not attend one cultural event in a year. It is
doubtful that this statistic has significantly improved in
the last decade. However, another figure presents an inter-
esting perspective on this problem. The 1970 census yielded
the result that 60% of all Americans define themselves as
"of ethnic origin." It would thus seem that to talk about
arts programs for the Bicentennial that extend the creative
experience into the daily lives of all our citizens, is to
talk about the development of programs which emphasize the
pluralistic roots of our culture. No area can address this
as can the area of folk culture.
A nationwide expansion of folk festivals would:
1. Respond to the current high level "ethnic" self-
identification.
2. Increase participation of our citizens nation-
wide in cultural activities.
&
runu
Bennen
LIBRARY
3. Stimulate individual communities to discover and
display their own indigenous traditions.
4. Promote understanding and enjoyment of the diverse
songs, dances, designs, crafts, games and foods of
our "unmelted pot. "
Moreover, folk festivals are a key means of spreading inter-
national participation throughout the country. Aside from
the historical and philosophical attractions of such a pro-
gram, the comparative low-cost of touring a group of folk
performers is a major stimulus and particularly opens avenues
for high-quality participation by foreign countries with small
budgets.
There are, however, problems which can be summed up in the
phrase "authenticity of presentation." Folk art is the
antithesis of professionalism--it is the object of utility
and beauty which a person makes, it is the dance done at
weddings, it is the song sung on the front porch of a house
on a dirt road. Unlike the symphony, the opera, the ballet,
and the theater, the folk arts do not benefit from a high
professional polish. Once given careful staging and gloss,
they immediately lose their unique character. But because
they are the arts "at home," they are popular; and because
they are popular, the folk arts are highly susceptible to
being over produced, exploited, and commercialized.
This problem is compounded by the fact that there are no pro-
grams currently operated on a national scale by agencies or
by arts organizations which actively insure the authenticity
of folk performance through funding or coordination.
The Smithsonian Institution, (which annually since 1967
presents the Festival of American Folklife in Washington, D.C.)
although irreproachable in its scholarship, documentation, and
sensitive presentations, does not currently have the funding
or capacity to oversee programs on a national scale. The
universities which do have folk departments have neither the
funding nor the networks to provide assistance. Consequently,
most folk enterprises are regional or local at best, they are
often hit or miss and do not have the benefit of the funding
or consultation necessary to insure a quality program.
BENELY
sidnary
A 1972 Library of Congress Survey of Folk Festivals identified
425 such events. Experts put the figure closer to 600, yet few
feature the contributions of a specific ethnic group and the
range in quality is enormous. It is safe to conclude then from
this cursory view of the folk scene, that the interest is high;
but technical assistance is lacking. There is no reason to assume
that such advice would not fall on fertile ground.
Legislation has been introduced in Congress to create an American
Folklife Center. However, hearings have not been scheduled to
date on this Bill and by the time they are completed, action is
taken, and monies appropriated, the time will have passed to
adequately plan and coordinate efforts for the Bicentennial.
As Senator Abourezk noted when introducing the Legislation:
"Our Government has given almost no attention to this
most vital area. We have established two magnificent
Endowments, the National Endowment for the Arts and
the Endowment for the Humanities, and funded them most
liberally. They have done a great deal for the arts
in this country. Yet virtually none of their millions
has been spent on folk culture. Nor has any other
institution provided even a faintly adequate program
in this area. This must be remedied.
"
in many departments of Government there have been
sporadic attempts to institute programs in the field
of folklore. There has, unfortunately, been little
coordination among these programs and little input from
those who are most knowledgeable in the field."
PROGRAM: Our approach to the area of folk culture has
been to coordinate the efforts of many groups, to encourage and
support when possible authenticated and sensitive presentations,
to provide communities and groups planning Bicentennial activi-
ties with the resources to achieve a quality program, and to
help disperse quality folklife programs to other areas of the
country.
The focal event for the Bicentennial folk arts program will be
the 1976 American Folklife Festival sponsored by the Smithsonian
Institution's Performing Arts Division in cooperation with the
National Park Service.
Since 1967, during fourth of July week in Washington presenta-
tion of the crafts, skills, dances, music, lore and auxiliary
traditions have been organized mainly around three themes:
4
FONN
GERALD
LIBRAR,
Native Americans - explores the culture and unique
lifestyle of the American Indians, Eskimos, and Aleuts.
Working America - deals with the occupational skills,
crafts, and lore of the American workers.
Regional Folklore - provides a geographic perspective
to the product skills throughout America and features
the diverse traditions found within one State.
Plans call for the Festival to be greatly expanded by 1976 in
duration, content and outreach. A two month-long event, the
folk culture of each state will be featured for two weeks.
The Smithsonian will assist those states who need it to inventory
the folk traditions and culture of their area. The cost to each
state for the inventory is between $8,000-$10,000. Roughly 12
states have been featured in past Festivals and invariably partic-
ipation has led to the establishment of sound folk festivals with-
in the state. Thus, the participation of the states in the
Festival should be viewed not only as a show case but also as a
catalyst to greater folk activity at home--an increase in quantity
and quality. It remains to be seen whether all states will par-
ticipate as usual, interest is running high but funding is not.
During the 1973 Festival a new theme was introduced: "Old Ways
In A New World." Aimed at full operation by 1976, the ARBC gave
a grant to the Smithsonian to assist with this pilot effort.
"Old Ways In A New World" brings together groups from United
States ethnic communities with groups from the Mother Country.
In 1973, Yugoslavia was the participating country and its
dancers, singers, and craftsmen performed with groups from the
Serbo-Croatian communities in the Unites States. Following the
Festival, the Yugoslavians toured to Serbo-Croatian communities
in five states where the "old" and "new" of the same tradition
was enthusiastically received.
This was a highly successful pilot effort and has served to
address some of the unique problems involved in touring groups
of ethnic performers to their counterpart American communities
and in twin presentations of "new" and "Old World" traditions.
Such a program has the dual benefit of providing a channel for
foreigh folk groups to tour and of providing a happy recognition
and appreciation of the ethnic traditions abounding in hitherto
homogenized American communities. For 1974, with continuing and
increased support by the ARBA, the Smithsonian will be able to
FORD
BERALDA
LIORARY
expand the pilot effort to more communities and to involve
local ethnic groups, local and State Bicentennial groups, and
community and State Arts Councils in the presentations. Such
a coalition will build a firm foundation of cooperation among
these diverse groups, and stimulate local involvement of ethnic
and folk groups in art programs. For 1976, the Smithsonian is
preparing to tour international folk groups to many parts of
the United States and to involve communities nationwide in an
excellent program of ethnic performance. The interest of foreign
governments in this program is high. While some subsidies for
touring may have to be found, the immediate need is for locating
and organizing the ethnic communities in the United States into
a nationwide network. Regrettably, we know more about the migra-
tory patterns of the Rocky Mountain rodent than we do about the
people who immigrated to and settled this country.
While the Smithsonian's community level efforts are primarily
geared toward the ethnic presentation with the international
tie, we are also concerned with stimulating all communities
to plan and present their own folk festivals. Clearly, the
foreign tours will not reach every one and clearly there are
rich American folk traditions. While the Bicentennial can
serve as a catalyst to discover the folk traditions in an
area, once done the folk festival can well become an annual
event in the community.
Under contract, we are developing a Folk Festival Handbook that
would outline both the organizational problems and techniques
in setting up a festival and resources for developing a quality
program. The first draft of the Handbook has been received.
Preliminary evaluation indicates that additional work is needed
before it can be published. When published, however, it should
serve as a stimulus and a tool in improving and setting up Folk
Festivals.
The Handbook is admittedly the first step in the process. As
indicated above, there are many pitfalls in an authentic presen-
tation and while th are are experienced people throughout the
country to assist communities, there is currently no single
place to turn for guidance and no source of funding. Thus to
augment the Handbook we propose to establish a talent bank of
experts with proficiency in the varied aspects of folk pro-
gramming. Such an effort would also stimulate and complement
the Smithsonian's states and ethnic programs.
FOND
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GERALD
7
LIBHARY
tunn
.
FESTIVALS OF THE ARTS:
Festival of Jazz
International Festival of Women in the Arts
MANDATE: "Special emphasis should be given to those activi-
ties which express the pluralistic nature of
American society...and which encourage the presen-
tation, interpretation and reccnstruction of
traditional works illustrating those distinctively
American contributions to the world's cultures
which reflect the American Revolutionary spirit."
ARBA Art Guidelines
OBJECTIVE: To stimulate and promote a complete and honest
presentation of the cultural contributions of all groups in
our society by giving needed impetus to those art forms and
achievements for which planning is being neglected.
BACKGROUND: It is unarguable that the Bicentennial is an
occasion when the rich and diverse artistic expressions of
our culture should be on display both for our visitors from
abroad and for our own citizens. It is a fact, however, that
the current state of Bicentennial art activities provide ample
opportunities to celebrate some of our art forms while neg-
lecting others.
Institutions exist to organize and plan certain types of
events. Some art forms are comparatively well documented
and have natural and established outlets. A quick review
will show that the American opera and symphonic achievements
will be presented; that the traditional works of our painters
will be on display and that funding mechanisms are directed
toward underwriting the new and traditional works of estab-
lished groups in the fields of dance, literature, painting,
and sculpture.
We do not say that this funding is adequate, the arts simply
are underfunded in this country. We do say, however, that
it is only in recent years that America has begun to experi-
ence a renaissance of awareness of the great diversity of its
own culture, that concern for the presentation of some dis-
tinctly American art forms is only just beginning to burgeon
to become institutionalized and that if a fair and full
presentation of our culture is to be part of the Bicentennial,
special emphasis and special attention needs to be given to
the contributions of some of these groups.
PROGRAM: We have identified at least two areas that are reflective
of this need. The first is Jazz. From its roots in Africa, de-
riving from gospel music, the blues, rag-time and dixie-land
music through the big band era into the innovations of today,
jazz is a uniquely American art form, internationally recog-
nized as a revolutionary contribution to the arts. Record
sales show it to be one of the most popular musical forms and
the giants of jazz--Scott Joplin, Billie Holiday, Duke Elling-
ton, Miles Davis and others--are revered and enjoyed by Ameri-
cans young and old, in every part of our nation. Its influence
on other forms of music, both here and in other countries,
is immense. Yet, popular though this form may be, most Americans
know little of the development of the music or of the social
influences that have shaped its progress.
A Bicentennial celebration without a major jazz program is
almost a contradiction in terms at least so far as the arts
are concerned. Yet, the chances of the development of such
a nationwide program appeared slim and for some good reasons.
Jazz has no national institution to organize and plan such
a program; there are no traditional funding sources adequate
to the task. To some it isn't even an art.
Yet it seemed possible too that if a plan were detailed and
costed out, a private sponsor could be found for a Festival
of Jazz that would move across the nation following the path
taken by the development of jazz--from New Orleans, to Kansas
City, to Chicago, etc. The indelible sound of jazz in each
stage of its evolution would be performed by leading jazz
musicians. In each "jazz city" there would be a series of
community concerts, artists in the schools, lectures and
workshops. The events in each city would culminate in a
major concert highlighting one segment of its historic
development and would be televised nationally and interna-
tionally. Complementary activities would be devised so that
communities across the nation could follow along with this
movable feast of American music.
The second area is the contribution of women to the arts. 1975
has been proclaimed International Women's Year. As countries
throughout the world develop appropriate programs in response
to this United Nations delcaration, the Women's Coalition on
the Bicentennial has proposed that 1975 be a focal period to
organize an International Festival of Women in the Arts to
be staged in the United States.
It is undoubtedly true that only in recent years has the
4
FURL
role of the woman artist and her contributions to the
GERALD
LIBHARY
cultures of the world received much attention. Histori-
cally, women artists have been relegated to a second-
class position. Many painters have been forced to exhibit
and sell their work under male pseudonyms. Women artists
have informed us that traditional arts institutions, notably
the gallery system, have been largely discriminatory and
exclusionary, refusing to either recognize or support the
legitimate efforts of serious professional artists. Few
women are found in symphony orchestras. While women have
long been active in dance, opera, film, literature and
theater, it is only the super-star whose name we know.
The Women's Coalition has thus proposed an International
Festival of Women in the Arts which would tour the nation
in 1976. The Festival would consist of performances, ex-
hibitions, workshops, artist-in-the-schools, symposia,
lectures, etc. aimed at examining the historic and contem-
porary role of the women artist. The Festival would offer
a significant channel for foreign participation, it would
help insure that women artists were 'discovered' and that
their work became an integral part of the Bicentennial
activities in 1976.
If these festivals are to be part of the Bicentennial
celebration, they cannot be left to chance. Most
communities lack both the research capabilities and the
resources to undertake individual programs in this area.
There are no national institutions or nationwide net-
works in these fields who are pressing for or organizing
such programs. There are, however, a wealth of smaller
groups whose capabilities can be combined much in the
fashion of the Women's Coalition on the Bicentennial.
Thus, in each of the two areas, the ARBA has contracted
for the development of a plan which would identify pro-
gram components, resources and participants, and organ-
izational, financial and administrative needs.
It is hoped that the ARBA can then find private sector
support to organize and implement these programs.
FORD
s
BERALDA
LIBERY
FESTIVAL
SEMIANNUAL
USA
REPORT
JULY 4, 1973
AMERICANA REVOLUTION 1776-1976 BICENTENNAL
BERALD R tuku LIBRARY
FESTIVAL USA: TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from the Chairman of Festival USA
ii
The Arts
1
Guidelines
2
American Folklife Festival
5
American Multi-Ethnic Folkart Company
7
Art Task Force
9
Bicentennial Arts Grants
11
Facilities Survey
13
Festivals of the Arts
14
Minority Arts Inventories
15
Invitation to the World
17
Guidelines
18
Home Hospitality
20
Low Cost Accommodations
21
Visitor-Host Handbook
22
Visitor-Services Handbook
23
National Programs
25
Bicentennial Inventory of American Painting
27
Crafts Inventory
28
Life Bicentennial Photography Contest
29
Mount Rushmore
30
National Square Dance Convention
31
Ninety-Nines
32
Operation Sail 76
33
Showboat
35
Sister Cities
37
State Programs
39
California
41
Colorado
43
District of Columbia
45
Florida
46
Oklahoma
47
Washington
48
Illinois
49
Ohio
50
New Jersey
50
Texas
50
George Rogers Clark Trail
51
Festival USA Committee and Advisory Panel Membership
53
i
American Revolution
Bicentennial Commission
736 Jackson Place N.W.
(202) 382-1776
REVOLUTION
BICENTENNIAL
Washington, D.C. 20276
AMERICAN
1776
Also included are summaries of national programs sponsored
by Government agencies and private groups. Some of these
A letter from the Chairman of Festival USA
projects have been accorded Official Recognition by the
Commission. In addition, there is a section giving a sample
of Festival USA activities in the States.
A paradox of our country is that, while we are a nation of
thoughtful individuals, we are also a nation of doers. In
All these projects will, we hope, indicate a pattern which
forming our nation, we assumed the responsibility of creat-
communities and groups throughout the United States will be
able to adapt to their own needs, resources, and interests.
ing a New World of opportunity.
We are not a nation of sitters; we are a nation of doers.
The path of our growth as a nation has been often unclearly
The challenge the Bicentennial presents is the challenge of
marked but characterized by a singular vitality. The Bicen-
tennial is yet another milestone in this path. What it offers
doing. The opportunity which Festival USA presents is to
us, as a nation, is the opportunity to reexamine what has made
share this doing with others.
us, to evaluate what we are, and to move toward what we want
Sincerely,
to be. We are not bounded by sea, or mountain, or sky--but
only by the scope of our vision and the scope of our vision
is as vast and diverse as are the Americans who define it.
George Lang
The Bicentennial means something different to each American,
Chairman, Festival USA
and presents a different challenge to each American. There
are, however, certain concerns which we all share--the
improvement of the quality of life for all of our citizens,
the involvement in every community of sharing experiences
and resources, the desire to make our institutions reflect
the needs and desires of every citizen.
The purpose of this booklet is to tell you about the develop-
ment of Festival USA programs in the first six months of 1973.
First of all, this report contains descriptions of major pro-
jects in the arts, travel and hospitality currently directed
or modestly supported by the American Revolution Bicentennial
Commission. Each project shares certain common characteristics:
Each is of national-regional significance.
Each can be operational during or before 1976.
Each can make a significant contribution to
Bicentennial goals.
Each has continuing value past the Bicentennial
goals.
Each gives special consideration to the pluralism
that has made us what we are.
iii
ii
FESTIVAL USA: THE ARTS
"Communication between people is
a deep concern of our time. So
is the environment. And education.
And constructive change. And basic
human values. The arts are central
to all of these issues."
Nancy Hanks
Chairman, National Council
on the Arts
FESTIVAL USA: ART GUIDELINES
The Bicentennial Commission and its advisory
panels have cited the following goals in the
C. Bernard
arts as central to the Bicentennial effort.
JACKSON:
/ think we need to then
begin to try to describe
Howard
ways for the benefit of
TAUBMAN:
those communities, de-
GUIDELINES FOR THE BICENTENNIAL ARTS PROGRAM
scribe for them how they
The arts are things that are
KINDS OF ARTS PROGRAMS APPROPRIATE
are making use of the arts
expressions, visual or
I. TITLE: Arts in America - What Happened and What's
in the present time and
sound or performed - but
Happening
TO BICENTENNIAL YEAR:
how they might make bet-
they are expressions that
II. SUBTITLE: The Revolutionary Spirit of the Arts and How It
ter use of those arts, how
communicate with other
Affects and Serves the American Community
The Bicentennial Arts Advisory Panels suggest the Bicentennial
they might make those arts
human beings.
III. GENERAL OPENING STATEMENT:
Commission put strong emphasis on the following kinds of programs:
more relevant to their lives.
The American Revolution altered the course of world history
we are trying to state a
because it generated a new concept of government based on self-
vision, an approach to the
determination in the political process. The intention of the
/ think one of the real di-
Bicentennial observance
Revolution was to guarantee the primacy of individual initiative
in American life. In 1976 we will gather, as a nation, to cele-
A. Programs which encourage the development of new works in
lemmas in America is that
through the arts.
brate the 200th anniversary of that intention. It is appropriate
all arts media that deal with significant aspects of the
it has not ever been clearly
that this celebration should commemorate the Revolution by
American experience.
identified what the role
So if we can hammer out
emphasizing and renewing its original purposes in terms of con-
B. Programs which encourage the presentation, interpretation and
temporary life. The celebration should not concentrate on the
reconstruction of traditional works illustrating those distinc-
and use of the arts in
something where the arts
events of the past but rather on the motive spirit of those events,
tively American contributions to the world's cultures which
America might be or
serve the people and the
a motive born of a need to improve the condition of the
reflect the American Revolutionary Spirit.
should be. It has been
American people.
people are served by the
C. Programs which stimulate a significant change in the American
more clearly identified in
art, have the art available
The traditions and forces embodied in the spirit of the American
approach to the arts experience, specifically programs which
Revolution, viewed in their entirety, pervade much of what is
extend the creative experience into the daily lives of all of our
other cultures. In Euro-
to them we will accomplish
best in American art. The refusal to be restricted, confined, or
people.
pean and African and
something.
bound to past traditions, however august, is clearly evident in
America's music, its dances, its film, its energetic theater forms
D. Programs which encourage the use of arts as a means of
Asian cultures the role of
and its visual arts, its architecture and its literature. Nor are
increasing understanding among various segments of American
the arts is much clearer.
The Bicentennial should
American art forms at their best narrowly chauvinistic since they
society.
produce some kind of fresh
reflect the amalgamation and synthesis of an almost infinite vari-
E. Programs which take advantage of existing facilities and inno-
dedications, some new reve-
ety of cultural influences. The American Revolution
vative means to make new performances and exhibition areas
Bicentennial Arts Advisory Panels recommend that this spirit
available for the arts in communities across the country.
lations, perhaps old things
should be clarified, illuminated and extended during the
F. Programs which place maximum artistic control over arts acti-
and perhaps leadership in
Bicentennial celebration.
vities in the hands of artists themselves.
James
new formulations, new
IV. GENERAL GOALS:
G. Programs which demonstrate new or neglected uses of the arts
WINES:
developments.
The Arts Advisory Panels believe that strong emphasis should be
and point to unique ways in which the artists' skills and
put on Bicentennial activities which involve the largest number
insights can better serve the life of the nation.
This is the American
of people consistent with the particular art form, special encour-
H. Programs which provide for community participation and
Revolution, this country is
agement should be given to provide admission-free events, to
involvement at every level from planning through execution.
those activities which express the pluralistic nature of American
internationally recognized
society and those which point toward new directions in the rela-
I. Programs which provide for the preservation and creative use
Glynn
tionship between American arts and the American community.
of our architectural heritage.
as a revolutionary country,
ROSS:
the arts of this country are
admired not for their tradi-
whatever is done could
tional values but for their
have a potential of carrying
revolutionary values pri-
on. Continuity.
Patrick
marily. Arts and revolu-
HENRY:
tion, meaning taking all
Vincent
those significant arts, past
the festival should be
If the art is great and it is
PRICE:
/ think you could get a
and present, and put a
ongoing beyond '76. Are
universal it should have
group of performers, ac-
focus on them. For in-
we in agreement that basi-
appeal everywhere.
Start with something and
tors, readers, concert per-
stance, jazz. That was a
cally the ARBC which has
All kinds of public facili-
explore the things that are
formers, platform perform-
revolutionary art recog-
the R in it that we are
ties are available if some-
really revolutionary in
ers, to go on a circuit that
nized as a worldwide revo-
going to have a revolutionary
one looks at it imagina-
American art that have led
would cover so much more
lution in music probably
theme? Can we use that?
tively.
us from one place to
than any production you
the most significant of the
another.
could take.
20th century.
2
3
FESTIVAL USA: AMERICAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL
"This is the Festival of the common man.
This is the Festival of the democratic art.
This is the art that the American people
have made out of their experience. All of
the people, black and white and brown and
red. With all the languages and all of the
cultures of the world coming here to make
a new country with a new hope. In some
ways, it seems sometimes that we are about
to lose this hope and this dream, and then
we realize our strength. We realize how
beautiful we are. Black is beautiful and
white is beautiful and Appalachia is beau-
tiful and even old tired Washington some-
times is beautiful when American people
gather to sing and fall in love with each
other again
"
Alan Lomax
Folklorist
America was put together late in history by diverse peoples
from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americans who contributed
not only their energy and material possession but also their
customs and traditions, language and lore. Since 1967 the
Performing Arts Division of the Smithsonian Institution has
presented an Annual Festival of American Folklife to cele-
brate the multiplicity and diversity which continues to
characterize our culture.
Presentation of the crafts, skills, dances, music, lore and
auxiliary traditions have been organized mainly around three
themes:
Native Americans - explores the culture and
unique lifestyle of the American Indians,
Eskimos, and Aleuts.
Working America - deals with the occupational
skills, crafts, and lore of the American workers.
Regional Folklore - provides a geographic per-
spective to the product skills throughout America
and features the diverse traditions found within
one State.
5
This year the ARBC gave a grant to the Smithsonian Institution
FESTIVAL USA: AMERICAN MULTI-ETHNIC FOLKART COMPANY
to permit the conduct of several pilot projects in 1973 in
preparation for an expanded Festival in 1976.
"The creators of a genuine folk art are themselves
A new theme "Old Ways in a New World" will be introduced to
members of the folk. They share its interests,
reflect America as a nation of immigrants and will research
tastes, preoccupations and standards. Like the
the traditional ways of cultural groups throughout the world.
makers of proverbs, their work represents the
The music, dance, crafts and customs of ethnic groups in the
wisdom of many and the wit of one.
United States will be brought together with their Old World
antecedents (Yugoslavia in 1973) in a series of celebrations
Joseph Wood Krutch
presented in cooperation with participating countries. Post-
Author
Festival touring of these groups will pave the way for an
extension of the research and resources of the Festival into
an effective nationwide program in 1976 involving many foreign
nations and communities across the country. The touring will
Most of the countries of the world are able to share aspects of
not only allow for testing presentational techniques but also
their cultural heritage with the people of other nations through
stimulate cosponsoring community organizations to develop
tours of their folkloric companies who perform native dance and
experience in planning and producing these innovative cultural
song. Not so the United States which has no company to demon-
presentations. States are encouraged to begin now to identify,
strate the artistic expressions of its diverse cultural heritage.
locate, and inventory those folk traditions which characterize
Such a national company drawing on the folk arts of every strain
their State and to prepare to feature those skills and customs
of our population would be a singular and fitting project for
in 1976.
the Bicentennial. The ARBC has, therefore, contracted to test
the feasibility of forming and touring such a company. If it
proves possible, it is hoped that the Multi-Ethnic Folk Art
Company would tour the United States in 1975 and 1976 and be
For further information contact:
available for international tour after 1976.
Performing Arts Division
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D. C. 20560
The project is under the direction of the
American Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
7
6
FESTIVAL USA: ART TASK FORCE
"The growing enthusiasm among our people for the
arts is an expression of deeply rooted American
aspirations -- a modern rededication, so to speak,
to fundamental American attitudes. In the earliest
beginnings of the Republic, a concern for the arts
and the cultural aspects of human living charac-
terized its life. What has survived of that
time to this day, from public buildings to the
tools of commerce and craft, demonstrates that
our ancestors believed utility and beauty were
companions. Moreover, the founding fathers - a
group unique in the grandeur and the reach of
their political vision - were men acutely aware
that a dynamic society cannot rest content with
merely material accomplishment. Their dream of
a new society in a new world included beauty
widely enjoyed as well as wealth widely shared. "
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
The Commission is aware that major and well-known artifacts of
our cultural legacy are firmly situated in the repositories of
this nations cultural centers and that it is unlikely that such
artifacts will be permitted to travel the nation in 1976.
However, it is axiomatic that the growth and development of
this nation has left its stamp in the cultural legacy to be
found within every community. Although these objects and traces
are less well-known, they are just as reflective of our growth,
just as evocative of our development and just as telling about
our character and achievements. Therefore, if a thoughtful
reappraisal and appreciation of our cultural legacy is to be a
nationwide Bicentennial activity, if all our citizens are to
have the opportunity to participate actively during this com-
memorative period, and if our cultural legacy in its myriad
forms is to be on view for our visitors in 1976, appropriate
means must be found which will serve to engender such an
examination and awareness within the resources of each community.
The ARBC has, therefore, contracted with several States Arts
Councils for the conduct of an experimental program in a com-
munity in their State. In the pilot program, a task force of
several artists (an architectural historian, a decorative arts
historian, a graphic artist, a photographer, and a coordinator)
will work with the community to identify those evidences of
artistic expression and cultural heritage within the community,
to dramatize those evidences through their own skills and
9
FESTIVAL USA: BICENTENNIAL ARTS GRANTS
through those facilities and resources available in the com-
munity and to encourage community participation in all stages
of selected activities. Each Art Task Force will then submit
a report of its activities. By selecting communities which
"This national awareness of the vital role of the
are removed from major cultural centers and which are of vary-
arts has come not from some edict from Washington
ing size and cultural heritage, it is expected that the results
or any of the State capitols. It has come, rather,
of the pilot projects can serve to stimulate many other commu-
from the interest of people in all of the arts,
nities and generate art activities across the nation. The
not just the traditional established forms. It
three designated communities are: Galveston, Texas; Quincy,
has come from the involvement of people partici-
Illinois; and Tacoma, Washington.
pating in cultural activities and not merely being
observers. It has come from a recognition that
the description of 'art' as a painting hanging on
a museum wall or a performance of music or drama
The project is under the direction of the
or dance on a stage is inadequate to say the least.
American Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
It has come from an understanding that as we move
toward our third century, the 'pursuit of happiness'
which was given equal billing in the Declaration as
an inalienable right along with Life and Liberty,
has been neglected."
Nancy Hanks
Chairman, National Council
on the Arts
The Bicentennial Commission has transferred $200,000 from non-
appropriated revenues to the National Endowment for the Arts
for the administration of Bicentennial Arts Matching Grants.
The grants will stimulate a creative response to the Bicen-
tennial through the arts and are to be made in accordance with
the NEA's regular procedures and ARBC Art Guidelines. Initially
grants will be made to foster projects submitted in the follow-
ing areas:
Dance Production Grants.- Grants to professional
dance companies to expand and diversify their
repertory by restaging of existing works or chore-
ographing new works by American artists. New
works and new productions for the Bicentennial
can have a permanent effect on American dance,
which is already respected throughout the world,
as well as provide excitement for the Bicentennial
period. These works will be a significant addition
to our cultural heritage for the Bicentennial and
for future generations.
10
11
Professional Theatre Touring Grants. - Grants will
FESTIVAL USA: FACILITIES SURVEY
be made enabling professional theatre companies to
prepare for regional tours in response to demands
from communities all over the country currently
"The point is that artists and their art should
without access to professional American theatre.
meet the people where they live and where they
work.
"
Adequate lead time is essential to insure community
involvement, as these tours will include workshops,
Leo Perlis
special student performances, etcetera. Each tour-
ing group may reach communities in as many as seven
Director, Community Services
AFL-CIO
States; thus, this program fully operative by 1975-
1976 should blanket the country.
Expansion Arts Pilot Touring Grants. - Grants to
community organizations to sponsor residency per-
In order to stimulate programs which take advantage of exist-
formances and workshops of two or more expansion
ing facilities and to promote widespread involvement of people
arts groups (professionally directed, community-
and the arts, the Commission is preparing a functional inven-
based, minority/ethnic orientation). This is a
tory of facilities seating more then 400 persons. Included
pilot effort aimed at testing significant regional
will be such facilities as auditoriums, theaters, arenas,
activity of this type by 1975-76. Matching funds
stadiums, libraries, museums, concert halls, convention halls,
for this project will be sought from one or more
exhibit centers and enclosed shopping malls. A description of
private corporations. It is expected that there
the basic characteristics of each facility will be gathered for
will be heavy involvement of youth and a high level
entry into a directory. Computerization of the directory will
of local participation.
be explored and it is planned that this directory information
will be made available to organizations, both domestic and
Expansion Arts Neighborhood Arts Services Grants.-
international, which wish to plan touring programs for the
To assist service organizations which aid a variety
Bicentennial and need information on locations and character-
of community cultural activities through equipment
istics of facilities that can be used for performances and
loans, publicity, sponsorship of activities, fund-
special events.
raising, etcetera. These groups will be essential
in assisting community and local arts groups to
prepare for the Bicentennial celebration through
the assistance and the coordination services which
The project is under the direction of the
they can provide. Grants will help to encourage
American Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
this development in cities and regions all over the
country in preparation for the Bicentennial.
It should be noted that these monies supplement the regular
grant programs of the Endowment. The National Endowment for
the Arts and the individual State Arts Councils are sensitive
to the challenges and opportunities which the Bicentennial
affords and the regular programs of the Endowment are being
expanded in fiscal year 1974 to better serve the celebration
of the Bicentennial through the arts.
For further information contact:
National Endowment for the Arts
806 15th Street, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20506
13
12
FESTIVAL USA: FESTIVALS OF THE ARTS
FESTIVAL USA: MINORITY ARTS INVENTORIES
"If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll
"This is the time not only for reaching outward,
never know. "
but for reaching inward, for discovering and
appreciating parts of our own land and people and
Louis Armstrong
heritage which we may not have known before.'
Musician
President Richard M. Nixon
Americans celebrate themselves and their likes and traditions
in a variety of festivals which take place annually in commu-
Through Festival USA we seek to celebrate the diversity of our
unities around the country - there are Cherry Blossom Festivals,
culture. Yet it is undoubtedly true that some aspects of our
Strawberry Festivals, Cotton Festivals, and Soybean Festivals.
culture and heritage have been the subject of study for years,
There are festivals of American crafts and folklore, classical
while others are less well known. To lend some assistance to
music and modern dance, native and adopted traditions. As part
the search for examples of pluralistic expression, the ARBC
of this American festive spirit, the Commission has undertaken
is compiling a series of inventory listings in the minority
a series of plans for festivals of American culture to tour the
arts area. Currently under contract are inventories of:
United States during the Bicentennial Era.
Painting and Sculpture by Black Artists
Plans are being developed for the following areas:
Classical Music by Black Composers
Plan for an Inventory of American Indian Art
Jazz - by jazz musician Billy Taylor, founder of
Jazzmobile.
The Inventories on Painting and Music by Black Artists will
include the artists name, a brief biography and a listing of
Indian Dance - by the Institute of American Indian
his work by title and location. If the work is reproduced in
Arts.
slides, records, publications or reprints, notation will be
made of the source of such reproduction. The plan for an
Hispanic-American Culture - by the Museum of New
Inventory of Indian Art will be developed to facilitate the
Mexico
compilation of an inventory with classifications for culture
groups, tribes, date and art form. The plan will include a
Each festival will dramatize the history and development of an
listing of major sources, existing listings and repositories
indigenous art form through performances and commentary. In
of such art.
each case, efforts will be made to insure the authenticity of
performances and material presented and to promote as wide-
All inventories will identify those areas where primary re-
spread participation as possible. The plans for the festivals
search needs to be done in order to compile a truly compre-
will be evaluated and coordinated with private organizations
hensive listing.
to facilitate implementation and seek appropriate sponsorship.
Expansion of this concept is being evaluated.
Other areas are currently under evaluation to ascertain the
need for additional contract work. Already available materials
are being gathered. Various means will be assessed to insure
wide spread availability of the material and thus inclusion of
The project is under the direction of the
minority art works in Bicentennial programs.
American Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
The project is under the direction of the
American Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
14
15
FESTIVAL USA: INVITATION TO THE WORLD
"I am waiting for a rebirth of wonder.
I am waiting for someone to really
discover America. "
Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Poet
FESTIVAL USA: INVITATION TO THE WORLD GUIDELINES
The Bicentennial Commission and its Advisory
Issuance of special invitations and initiation
Panels have cited the following goals in
now of exchange programs with another chapter
travel and hospitality as central to the
of a national organization, a foreign affiliate,
Bicentennial effort.
a sister city, an adopted country, etc.
A campaign to encourage organizations in the
Designation of underutilized facilities such as
United States with foreign and domestic affilia-
church buildings, schools, college dormitories
tions to extend a special invitation to their
and other public buildings as temporary accom-
counterparts in other lands and to make special
modations for travellers during peak periods of
efforts to facilitate the travel of their special
local Bicentennial activity.
visitors throughout the United States.
Extension of the concept, capacity and quantity
Encouragement of international and domestic,
of the type of low cost accommodations such as
commercial, common carriers to offer reduced
Y's and hostels.
passenger rates to specific destinations in the
United States in connection with Bicentennial
Expansion of camping facilities especially in
activities.
and near urban areas, historic sites and centers
of Bicentennial activity.
The development of standards and criteria for
Bicentennial tours sufficient to accommodate
Installation of international roadsigns on all
both foreign and domestic tourists, and to
major roadways in the United States by 1976.
include provisions for financial stability,
i.e., bonding.
Installation of special symbol signs, prefer-
ably uniform, on major roadways and in populated
The issuance to all U. S. travellers and to
areas to indicate the location of special public
foreign visitors before entering the U. S.,
facilities such as telephones, restrooms, camp-
a medical information and identify card with
sites, youth hostels, hotels, restaurants, rail-
notation of vital medical data such as blood
road stations, bus and air terminals, hospitals,
type, allergic reactivity, current immuniza-
etc.
tion record, use of medicines and current
medical history.
Institution of basic utility foreign language
training courses by and/or for commercial and
public service organizations whose employees
are likely to have daily contact with foreign
visitors.
Establishment in each State and key urban areas
of centralized information and referral centers.
Additional components of this project can in-
clude use of a toll-free telephone number and
foreign language capability.
19
18
FESTIVAL USA: HOME HOSPITALITY
FESTIVAL USA: LOW COST ACCOMMODATIONS
"This is the time to open our hearts and our
homes and our communities
Let
America
be
"The Creator made the world, come and see it. "
known throughout the world as the 'Land of
the Open Door.
Pima Indian Prayer
President Richard M. Nixon
The United States, with one of the most mobile populations in
the world has nonetheless lagged behind its foreign counter-
The opportunities to get to know each other are nowhere more
parts in the development of a functional network of low cost
personalized and immediate than in a nationwide home hospital-
accommodations. To stimulate the development of such a net-
ity program. In its Report to the President, the Commission
work by 1976 the ARBC has contracted for a plan outlining
stated that Festival USA "evokes the spirit of hospitality
options and recommendations to expand and improve the network.
and movement which has characterized American development
The work will include a survey of existing accommodations and
it invites Americans to share experiences with each other and
a description of the basic characteristics of each will be
with their visitors Villages, towns, cities, States,
gathered from the sponsors. The plan will also identify areas
organizations and families will be encouraged to open their
where low cost accommodations are needed and the problems and
doors to each other and visitors." To assess the potential of
resources incident to the establishment of a nationwide network.
an expanded nationwide hospitality effort, and to ascertain
Additionally, handbook type material will be prepared which will
the need before aligning resources, a national public opinion
describe for local sponsors the general methods, problems and
survey is being conducted to study the attitudes and prefer-
potential solutions in setting up a low cost accommodation in
ences toward providing home hospitality to fellow citizens
their area.
and foreign visitors. In approximately six months, the
results of the survey will be available and form the basis
for determinations of the character, organization and scope
of the effort needed to respond to public interest in home
The project is under the direction of the
hospitality in 1976.
American Revolution Bicentennial Commission
The project is under the direction of the
American Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
20
21
FESTIVAL USA: VISITOR-HOST HANDBOOK
FESTIVAL USA: VISITOR SERVICES HANDBOOK
"Person-to-person communication is more important
"The prospect of interstate travel in the United
than ever before in building toward a better,
States by the domestic and the foreign visitor
safer, more just world order. The door to your
poses considerable problems for the movement and
future is in your communities, in your cities,
accommodation of people. "
and in the relationships societies develop with
the world."
Resolution 10-72
American Revolution
John Richardson, Jr.
Bicentennial Commission
Assistant Secretary of State
for Educational and Cultural
Affairs
While the needs and services for visitors vary considerably,
it is nonetheless true that a refreshing and rewarding trip
is in part dependent on the attention given by a community
Beginning communication is often the difficult first step in
to easing a visitor's stay in unfamiliar surroundings. To
establishing a meaningful dialogue. The ARBC has contracted
help communities become more aware of these areas of concern
for the preparation of a pamphlet which can be distributed not
to a visitor and to improve their existing efforts, the ARBC
only to individuals but also to communities who wish to
is preparing a Visitor Services Handbook to be used by the
host Bicentennial travellers. The pamphlet will suggest
community in preparing to receive the increased number of
various means to bridge the gap and maximize the pleasure and
travellers expected with the Bicentennial. The Handbook will
effectiveness between host family and visitors.
identify areas of concern and suggest possible programs and
I
actions. Attention will be given to the special needs of the
international traveller, the handicapped, and families with
children. Information, emergency services, and currency
The project is under the direction of the
exchange are some of the topics to be covered. It is basic
American Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
to the Handbook that good visitor services not only make the
traveller's stay a pleasant one but also prevent disruption
of the daily life of the resident.
The project is under the direction of the
American Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
22
23
FESTIVAL USA: NATIONAL PROGRAMS
I
"I look forward to an America
which will not be afraid of
grace and beauty
I look
forward to an America which
will steadily raise the stand-
ards of artistic accomplish-
ment and which will steadily
enlarge cultural opportunities
for all of our citizens. And
I look forward to an America
which commands respect through-
out the world not only for its
strength but for its civiliza-
tion as well."
President John Fitzgerald Kennedy
FESTIVAL USA: BICENTENNIAL INVENTORY OF AMERICAN PAINTING
"The United States prepares in this decade to
celebrate the Bicentennial anniversary of its
establishment as a nation. The occasion invites
review and evaluation of the national achieve-
ment to comprehend the full pattern and texture
of American art is not easy. After long years
of neglect, American art has at last come into
its own. Yet it is essentially only the art of
the older Eastern centers of population that
has been critically explored
But American
art is the product of the whole nation, and it
survives all across the continent. "
Brochure on Bicentennial
Inventory of American Painting
The National Collection of Fine Arts of the Smithsonian Insti-
tution, as part of its Bicentennial program, is conducting a
nationwide search for the paintings produced by American artists
before 1914. With a goal of establishing a comprehensive in-
ventory-directory, the Smithsonian is enlisting the aid of
volunteers across the country to ferret out and describe the
little known, hidden away examples of American Painting. At
this time, several paintings by major artists have been discovered
along with scores of works by hitherto lesser known artists.
Historical societies, clubs, and patriotic and service groups
are among the organizations that have sponsored the search for
paintings in their communities.
For further information contact:
Bicentennial Inventory of American Paintings
National Collection of the Arts
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D. C. 20560
27
FESTIVAL USA: THE LIFE BICENTENNIAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
FESTIVAL USA: CRAFTS INVENTORY
"With all beings and all things we shall be
"Our country has a rich folk tradition and a
as relatives.
wide diversity of peoples and races. Yet, I
have been disturbed to discover that almost
,Sioux Indian
nowhere outside the United States, and at
very few places within this country, can one
have the benefit of viewing or purchasing
authentic American artifacts and handcrafts
Time-Life Books is sponsoring a photography contest with the
so illustrative of American ingenuity.'
theme: "A Declaration of Interdependence." Pictures submitted
reflect any or all of the following themes:
Senator Charles McC. Mathias, Jr.
Americans dependence on one another.
Relationships within families, with neighbors,
In early American communities, the spindle, woodcarving and
friends, strangers or between races and countries.
the loom were as much a part of the colonial existence as
where the hand-hewn plow and the village meeting house. In
Our dependence on the environment.
similar fashion, the beadwork and basketry of the Indian were
an integral part of his daily life. The craft industry of
Love of the land, or of our history.
today is important as a surviving expression of our heritage.
Demand for handmade items is increasing as people travel more
Sharing with and caring for each other.
and recognize the cultural value of crafts. The Bicentennial
will create greater demands and thus offers an opportune time
!
Photographs for Bicentennial award will be chosen by a panel
to stimulate the growth of the craft industry. While there
of distinguished judges from entries in color and black and
is indeed excellent work being produced these efforts are
white by amateur and professional photographers. Winning
largely local or at best regional. Before a program of
photographs will be published in Photography Year/1974. It
national impact can be devised, craft enterprises currently
is also hoped that the photographs can be incorporated into
existing must be identified. The Inter-Agency Crafts Com-
an exhibit which will tour the United States and foreign
mittee has undertaken to conduct such a survey which will
countires. The deadline for entires was July 4, 1973. The
then serve as a basis to insure that citizens across the
Life Bicentennial Photography Contest has been accorded
country have the opportunity to see and appreciate the con-
Official Recognition by the American Revolution Bicentennial
tinuing traditions of American craftsmen.
Commission.
For further information contact:
For further information contact:
Mr. William Seymour
The Life Bicentennial Photography Contest
Chairman, Interagency Craft Committee
P. O. Box 645, Radio City Music Station
Farmers Cooperative Service
New York, New York 10019
Department of Agriculture
500 12th Street, S. W., Room 550
Washington, D. C. 20250
29
28
FESTIVAL USA: MOUNT RUSHMORE
FESTIVAL USA: NATIONAL SQUARE DANCE CONVENTION
"A monument's dimensions should be determined by the
"Square Dancing is a most contagious sort of fun
importance to civilization of the events commemorated.
and relaxation. It holds something for everyone.
We are not here trying to carve an epic, portray a
The dance comes sweeping off the American plain.
moonlight scene or write a sonnet; but rather (we
friendship set to music. It catches the very es-
are dealing with) the constructive and the dramatic
sence of what is good and wholesome in our American
moments or crises in our amazing history. Hence,
way of life Few things could be more thematic
let us place there, carved high, as close to heaven
or characteristic of America than the dance that
as we can, the words of our leaders, their faces,
is truly an American dance.
to show posterity what manner of men they were.
Ken Parker
Gutzon Borglum
General Chairman
Sculptor
National Square Dance Convention
The Mount Rushmore National Monument is planning special cere-
The 25th Annual National Square Dance Convention will be held
monies and events for 1976. It is presently undergoing expan-
on June 24-26, 1976 in Anaheim, California. Demonstration
sion of its visitors facilities to serve the expected influx
groups and delegations from other nations will be welcomed as
of American and foreign Bicentennial visitors.
will observers and participants from all parts of the United
States. As a prelude to the Convention, a series of dances
The monument has broad appeal. The number of visitors--from
will be held along the trail as those enroute stop to enjoy
all walks of life, of all ages, and all States and many foreign
this uniquely American activity with the estimated 30 million
nations--has increased steadily on the average of 10% per year
F
Americans from every State who today enjoy Square Dancing as a
since 1942. Visitation in 1972 totaled over 2 1/4 million
recreational activity. Through exhibits, pageants, films, and
people.
performance, the National Convention in 1976 will emphasize
Square Dancing as an indigenous example of our cultural herit-
The governors of five Old West Trail States, North and South
age. The National Square Dance Convention has been accorded
Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana, have jointly endorsed
Official Recognition by the American Revolution Bicentennial
its designation as a Bicentennial Primary Focal Point. The
Commission.
National Park Service, the Legislature of South Dakota, the
South Dakota Department of Highways and numerous travel-
oriented organizations have pledged to support its designation.
Mount Rushmore is one of the most photographed monuments in
For further information contact:
America today, It is recognized as a high achievement in
artistic engineering. The monument has been in existence for
Ken Parker
thirty years. It symbolizes the founding, expansion, preser-
426 Phillips Way
vation and unification of the American republic. Mount
Vista, California 92083
Rushmore has been accorded Official Recognition by the American
Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
For further information contact:
Director
South Dakota American Revolution
Bicentennial Commission
State Capitol
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
31
30
FESTIVAL USA: OPERATION SAIL '76
FESTIVAL USA: THE NINETY-NINES
"The Ninety-Nines will "bring many parts of the world
"We believe that the men who man these tall ships
reaffirm all those human qualities which have made
with them'; they will strengthen friendship and under-
and will continue to make this nation great:
standing; they will lift our spirits high in "ceiling
unlimited' for peace and good will."
Character, professionalism, adventure, discipline
and courage. There is a brotherhood among men who
sail the seas
"
Hubert H. Humphrey
Vice President - 1967
Henry R. Geyelin
Chairman, Operation Sail '76
The Ninety-Nines are a nonprofit association of women pilots
from all over the world. On July 24, 1973, the 99's will
launch their Bicentennial program through a Flyaway with the
theme "In the Spirit of '76 - Let It Begin With Me." Members
An international regatta comprised of sailing ships from 20
nations and almost all of the remaining 30 tall-masted sail-
will take off from Amelia Earhardt's birthplace, Atchison,
Kansas, to the 50 State capitals and several foreign countries.
ing vessels left in the world today will sail from Spain to
In Atchison they will also dedicate an International Forest of
Bermuda in 1976. They will then sail in company to New York
Friendship with seedlings from the 50 States, the territories
City where major activities are planned. It is expected that
and foreign countries. In each State capital airport, they
some of the ships will subsequently visit other nearby United
will begin to install international airmarking signs and initiate
States ports where they will be open for inspection. Tours
a tree-planting program. This effort will mark the beginning
of West Coast ports are being studied. The major fleet
of an extensive clean-up and beautification program focused in-
festivities will be held during Fourth of July week in New
itially on airports and their adjacent areas. The 99's inter-
York City. The expected 4,000 cadets will parade from Battery
Park to City Hall. They will participate in athletic events
national members will generate interest in their own countries
to "See the USA" and participate in Bicentennial activities.
and competitions and it is hoped that ethnic groups in New
York and other cities will entertain the men in their homes.
By 1976, the Ninety-Nines also plan to establish a permanent
international air museum to house memorabilia associated with
The ships will be open to the public and additional cultural
the continuing contributions of women to aviation. The Ninety-
activities are being planned to celebrate the courage and
Nines Bicentennial Program has been accorded Official Recognition
resourcefulness of the men who have long sailed the seas in
by the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
ships. Operation Sail '76 has been accorded Official Recog-
nition by the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission.
For further information contact:
For further information contact:
Fay Gillis Wells
Operation Sail '76
Washington News Bureau
16 Fulton Street
Suite 601
New York, New York 10038
1725 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20006
32
33
FESTIVAL USA: SHOWBOAT
"Theater for Children - Today's Failure.
Theater for children, in America, draws little
respect - an American phenomenon. The work,
by and large, is poor. Our most gifted play-
wrights do not write for our most gifted
audiences: Children."
David Hays
Director, SHOWBOAT
Showboat is a model program for the establishment of a multi-
faceted, innovative Children's Theater Center dedicated to
taking the richness of cultural expression into neighborhoods
and communities. A Showboat, itself reflective of a great
chapter of Americana, will serve as the vehicle to once again
take theater to people on their home ground. Showboat's first
area of operation will be New York City where it will play one
week stands at piers and bulkhead sites throughout the five
boroughs. The theater will be programmed fourteen hours a day
with performances for children in the morning and early after-
noon, and workshops for teachers and special audiences after
school. In the evening Showboat will be a home for the 120
community and ethnic theater groups in the 5 boroughs of New
York City.
Showboat will provide:
1. A floating theater for the presentation of the
finest children's entertainment.
2. A young people's theater workshop.
3. Performance space for community theater groups
in all of the performing arts.
4. A focal point for community involvement in the
arts.
5. A center with facilities for film and television
workshops, production and screening.
35
FESTIVAL USA: SISTER CITIES
6. A center for teachers - for resources for their
own training in creative theater as used in all
classroom study.
"I am convinced that town twining is an exception-
ally valuable means of international cooperation
7. A focus for creative environmental awareness and
since it brings into contact, between countries,
an impetus to revitalize and reclaim our water-
not only local leaders but also whole populations."
front areas.
Kurt Waldheim
Showboat offers a unique opportunity to step forward concerning
Secretary General
our waterfronts, our sense of community and a long-neglected
The United Nations
aspect of our children's education and joy. Showboat is a
national model for water cities through the USA. Expansion to
other cities is being explored. Showboat has been accorded
Official Recognition by the American Revolution Bicentennial
The Town Affiliation Association (Sister Cities) is a private,
Commission.
nonprofit national organization responsible for the coordina-
tion of existing 420 U. S. cities and their affiliated Sister
Cities in 61 other countries. One of their Bicentennial goals
is to increase the number of U. S. Sister City affiliations
For further information contact:
throughout the world with the goal of 1776 combined U. S. and
foreign affiliations at the beginning of 1976 and a goal of
SHOWBOAT
1976 combined affiliations by the end of 1976. The Town
Eugene O'Neill Memorial Theater Center
Affiliation Association membership plans to create a Bicenten-
Suite 1012
nial Cooperation Committee and to assist U. S. Sister Cities
1860 Broadway
Committees in the implementation of International Bicentennial
New York, New York 10023
projects. The plan of action has been developed to be both
national and international in scope and the program is designed
to become operable in 1973 and multiply through 1976 and beyond.
Sister Cities has prepared for use by its affiliates a handbook
describing a wide variety of projects which will enhance under-
standing among the participants and stimulate involvement in
the Bicentennial. It is developing a program of technical
assistance to spur the implementation of these community efforts.
The Sister Cities program aims to increase cultural knowledge
and encourage involvement of the world community in the Bicen-
tennial. The Sister Cities Bicentennial Program has been
accorded Official Recognition by the American Revolution Bicen-
tennial Commission.
For further information contact:
Town Affiliation Association, Inc.
1612 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20006
37
36
FESTIVAL USA: STATE PROGRAMS
"America is fifty states. America
is big cities, small cities, and
small towns. It is all the homes
and all the hopes of 200 million
people. That is why we want this
celebration
to go directly to
the people and derive its strength
from the people. "
President Richard M. Nixon
FESTIVAL USA: CALIFORNIA
Touring Art Exhibit
A touring art exhibit entitled, "The Creative Americans: Two
Centuries of American Culture, 1776-1976," is being planned
by the Bicentennial Commission of California. The show will
reflect the heterogeneous composition of the American people.
Mini-exhibitions in a bazaar-like atmosphere will illustrate
historical and modern aspects of American culture including:
American Indian art forms
Pioneering and contemporary crafts
Homes
Hobbies
Portraiture in painting and photography
Mechanical technology
Mass media including movies, television and advertising
"The Creative Americans" will be presented in three urban areas:
San Francisco - M. H. de Young Memorial Museum
the Palace of the Legion of Honor
San Diego - The Fine Arts Gallery
Los Angeles - Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The exhibit will show during the spring, summer, and fall of
1976.
Western States Music Tournament
Beginning in 1974 the Champion High School Bands participating
in the annual Western States Music Tournament will be asked to
choose selections which symbolize an event in the history of
their State relating to the theme "The Spirit of '76."
41
FESTIVAL USA: COLORADO
Symphony Support
The Colorado Bicentennial Commission has endorsed and pledged
support to symphony orchestras within the State for various
Bicentennial programs.
The Pueblo Civic Symphony Association annually sponsors
a Mozart Festival which will be expanded from 1973 to
1976 to include such activities as an American Indian
music and dance program, touring exhibits from major
museums, the commissioning of a Centennial play, the
commissioning of a Bicentennial opera, and the touring
of a Broadway production.
The Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestra is laying plans
for a special Centennial-Bicentennial music festival, a
cultural arts program to be held in conjunction with the
Air Force vs. Army football game in 1975, the building
of a center to house performing arts activities, and
other major expositions.
The Denver Symphony Orchestra has proposed a two-concert
program, developed around the theme of "America-The
Bicentennial" and "Colorado-The Centennial." The purpose
of these concerts would be to bring attention to the forth-
coming anniversaries in 1976, and add an impetus and stim-
ulus for similar planning across the State. The first
concert is planned to take place at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
in August 1973, and the second in September or October
1973, in Denver. As a result of the passage of eight
capital improvement bond issues in September 1972, spear-
headed by Denver Mayor William H. McNichols, Jr., a new
Performing Arts Center will be constructed. It is con-
templated that an event of international significance
will be staged at this facility to coincide with the
Centennial-Bicentennial celebration.
The Central City Opera House Association has plans to
commission an official Colorado-Centennial-Bicentennial
opera to be staged in the historic Teller Opera House to
usher in the Centennial-Bicentennial year and the develop-
ment of a cultural performing arts program which will
expand current seasonal activities to year-round series
of events.
43
FESTIVAL USA: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Athletics
National Visitor Center
The Colorado Commission is presently studying plans for con-
struction of a national Ski Museum and Hall of Fame in Steam-
To aid in handling the influx of American and foreign visitors,
boat Springs.
the National Park Service of the United States Department of
the Interior has undertaken an extensive plan to rennovate
historic Union Station and to create a National Visitor Center
The Colorado Commission is acting as coordinator for numerous
for the Bicentennial.
sports activities planned in the State during the Bicentennial
Era. These events will center upon a Centennial-Bicentennial
theme and be a focal point for visitors from other States and
The facility will provide a focal point where visitors to our
countries--a basketball game between U.S.A. and USSR Olympic
Nation's Capital can receive information on nationwide activ-
ities. It will house exhibits on the Capital, directories of
teams, International Speedboat Championship Races, Inter-
national Charriada Races, Women's Boating Conference, and
activities taking place, film showings, informational signs,
and theme displays. Printed material in several languages
others.
describing activities and attractions will be available at the
Center. Multilingual guides will be on hand to advise indi-
viduals and groups and to answer questions concerning comfort,
communication, food, and housing.
The visitor will be provided with information which will both
orient him and enable him to evaluate the experience of his
visit. The Center will assist the visitor in acquiring a
better understanding of the nation by helping him plan his
visits of monuments, public buildings, museums, parks,
historic homes, and the cultural, scenic, and recreational
parts of our country as a meaningful travel experience. The
Center will encourage the visitor, whether native or foreign,
whether an individual or part of a group, to discover all of
America during its Bicentennial and will remain thereafter
as a permanent service center to the tourist.
45
44
FESTIVAL USA: FLORIDA
FESTIVAL USA: OKLAHOMA
Charles Ives Centennial Festival
Tourism
A Charles Ives Centennial Festival, presented by the City of
The Oklahoma Commission is undertaking a comprehensive program
Miami, is being supported by the Florida Bicentennial Commis-
in travel and hospitality. It is supporting Northwestern
sion. The Festival honoring one of America's great composers
State College at Tahequah's program of training professionals
will begin on October 20, 1974, and will continue until May
for the tourist industry. It is exploring a program to package
1975 with potential for touring thereafter. It is planned that
reduced-price transportation, accommodation, and dining oppor-
all of Ives' more than 170 works will be performed during the
tunities during Bicentennial years. In addition, the Oklahoma
1974-75 season. The Festival will benefit from the talents of
Commission and the Pennsylvania Commission are developing plans
such musical luminaries as Leonard Bernstein, Eugene Ormandy,
for a "sister state" program which will enable Bicentennial
Pierre Boulez, and Aaron Copland who have agreed to serve on
travellers to experience both one of the original Thirteen
the Ives Festival Committee.
Colonies and a younger western State.
This Festival will be unique in that the music of Ives will be
taken to virtually every music constituency in the Metropolitan
Cultural Heritage
Miami region. Instead of gathering a limited public at a few
places for several all-Ives concerts, some of his more than
The Oklahoma Commission is planning numerous programs to
170 works will be included on the regular programs of all 20
emphasize the diversity of the State's cultural heritage.
participating organizations throughout the 1974-1975 music
Plans in this area include:
season.
A Hispano-American Cultural Meeting House in Oklahoma
All visiting artists and ensembles on the various concert series
City to help bridge gaps between Spanish-and English-
are being invited to include at least one selection by Ives on
speaking peoples.
their program here. Any works in the repertory not offered on
the several series will be performed at special convocations by
A Hispano-American Cultural Festival Center in Frederick,
professional musicians on the faculties of the University of
an area where many Spanish-American citizens make their
Miami, the Miami Dade Junior Colleges, and Barry College. All
homes.
of those performances will be free to the public.
Multi-media presentations at the Kirkpatrick Planetarium
Special concerts and convocations will be devoted to the World
in Oklahoma City dramatizing Indian legends.
Premiers of previously unpublished Ives' works. There will
also be a number of public lectures by distinguished musicians
A "Chuckwagon Theater" to travel the American cattle
and musicologists who are authorities on Ives and his music.
trails and tell their story.
A number of these events will be broadcast over South Florida
An Afro-American Cultural Center to house events of
on radio and TV, and at least one national telecast is pro-
nationwide importance.
jected over National Educational Television. The Voice of
America plans a series of broadcasts of Festival programs,
A Plains Indian Cultural Center for southwestern
and most of the programs will be taped for distribution to
Oklahoma.
United States Information Service Libraries around the world.
Massive improvements for the Tahlequah-Tsa-La-Gi area
relating to Cherokee Indian heritage and culture pre-
servation and exhibit.
46
47
FESTIVAL USA: WASHINGTON
FESTIVAL USA: ILLINOIS
Cultural Heritage
Children's Theater
The Bicentennial Commission of the State of Washington has
endorsed two major undertakings in the area of American folklife.
The Children's Theater of Evanston has been endorsed by the
These are the plans for a program in traditional folklife to be
Illinois Bicentennial Commission. The theater is developing a
presented at Expo '74 in Spokane in conjunction with the Smith-
program for a production to tour Illinois schools during the
sonian Institution's Festival of American Folklife and the North-
Bicentennial years. The play, tentatively entitled "Yankee
west Regional Folklife Festival, an annual event at the Seattle
Doodle was a Travelling Man", will emphasize the importance of
Center. Extensive research is being done to locate ethnic
movement and settlement in American life.
communities, religious groups, foods, crafts, music and dance
traditions indigenous to the Northwest.
Opera Commissioning
Opera Festival
The Illinois Commission has endorsed the plan of the Lyric Opera
of Chicago to commission composer Krzysztof Penderecki to create
The Seattle Opera Association has received Commission endorsement
a new opera for production in 1976. Penderecki, one of the out-
of their plans for a major festival of music. The Festival will
standing composers of the contemporary music world, will create
utilize the talents of community and professional performers.
the new work as part of the commemoration of the Bicentennial.
It will focus, in 1973 upon children in a production of "Noah's
Flood"; in 1973, upon high school and college students in a pro-
duction of Leonard Bernstein's "Mass"; in 1975 a pilot program
will be instituted for an annual Wagner Festival; in 1976 the
Festival will expand upon these three areas and add an American
component for which a new work will be premiered. A Park of the
FESTIVAL USA: OHIO
Performing Arts is being planned in conjunction with the Festival.
Folklife Research Survey
Museum Grants
The Ohio Bicentennial Commission is launching, in cooperation
The Washington Commission has made grants to ten community
with the Ohio Arts Council, a pilot project in folklife research.
museums for Bicentennial exhibits. As part of each exhibit,
The Folklife Survey will be conducted by students of Ohio's
the museums will prepare a list of local historic sites which
primary and secondary schools. Selected teachers will devote
will be made available to visitors. The grants will serve to
one unit of study to folklore during which their students will
generate a variegated series of activities focusing on the
contact parents, grandparents, relatives, older members of the
American Revolution and American cultural heritage. The
community, local historians and individuals who practice tra-
following museums are participating: The Whatcom Museum of
ditional crafts or skills. The students will collect rhymes,
History and Art, Bellingham; Museum of History and Industry,
stories, games, superstitions, songs, and other items of tra-
Seattle; Jefferson County Historical Museum, Port Townsend;
ditional lore. The intent, of course, is not so much to amass
Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver; Yakima Valley Museum
a central collection of folk material, but to encourage the
and Historical Association, Yakima; Walla Walla Valley Pioneer
children to conduct an active search for the roots of their
and Historical Society, Walla Walla; State Capitol Museum,
own community experience.
Olympia; Cheney Cowles Memorial Museum, Spokane; Franklin County
Historical Society, Pasco; and Willis Carey Historical Museum,
Cashmere.
48
49
FESTIVAL USA: GEORGE ROGERS CLARK TRAIL
FESTIVAL USA: MISSISSIPPI
Five States, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri,
Folk Voices
are engaging in a cooperative effort to develop the George
Rogers Clark Trail. The historical trail, along the original
The Mississippi Bicentennial Commission has undertaken a program
route of George Rogers Clark's successful 1778-1779 campaign
creating a touring folk-life performance. The program, which
to secure the Old Northwest during the Revolutionary War, will
will consist of a series of three concerts, will emphasize the
be a major Bicentennial attraction, serving both travelling
cultural heritage of the State and incorporate performing mate-
Americans and their international visitors. Facilities in-
rial from various groups. The program will tour the State
cluded in planning for the trail include bike paths, hiking
during the Bicentennial Era and will serve as a pattern for the
trails, automobile routes, historic markers, restorations,
creation of similar activities in communities.
and visitor centers. The concept of the trail includes
potential for expansion to a larger historic and recreational
network.
FESTIVAL USA: NEW JERSEY
Liberty Park Visitor Center
The New Jersey Bicentennial Commission is formulating plans for
the development of a visitor center overlooking the Statue of
Liberty. The center, called Liberty Park, will contain facil-
ities for historical exhibits, visitor services and cultural
activities. It will serve as a focal point for American
travellers and international visitors.
FESTIVAL USA: TEXAS
Folklorico
The Texas Bicentennial Commission is supporting the establish-
ment of a performing troupe to stage productions illustrating
the diverse cultural composition of the State. Through per-
formances in music and dance, the Folklorico will emphasize
the 26 ethnic backgrounds found in the State. The production,
which will depict the history and accomplishments of Texas
will be ready to tour the State by 1976. It is expected to
be a lasting contribution to Texas' cultural heritage.
51
50
FESTIVAL USA: COMMITTEE AND ADVISORY PANEL MEMBERSHIP
FESTIVAL USA COMMITTEE
George Lang, Chairman
George Irwin, Vice Chairman
Kenneth Beale
Joe Black
Vernon Jordan, Jr.
Kathryn Bloom
Judith Kooker
Howard Taubman
Clark Reed
Secretary of State - William P. Rogers
Alternates: John Richardson, Assistant Secretary
for Educational and Cultural Affairs
Arthur Minnich, Senior Program Advisor
Secretary of Commerce - Frederick Dent
Alternate: William Nelson, Director, Trade Fairs and
Expositions Division
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution - S. Dillon Ripley
Alternate: John Slocum, Special Assistant for
Bicentennial Planning
Chairman, Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities -
S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
Alternate: Michael Straight, Deputy Director, National
Endowment for the Arts
United States Information Agency - Mildred Marcy, Advisor,
Office of Policy and Plans
CREATIVE AND VISUAL ARTS ADVISORY PANEL
Kathryn Bloom, Chairman
Ben Barkin
Chuck Stone
Hugh Jacobsen
Mark Strand
Kyran McGrath
Robert Uihlein
S. Leonard Pas, Jr.
Harry Weese
Vincent Price
James Wines
George Segal
Don Wyckoff
George Stevens, Jr.
53
INVITATION TO THE WORLD ADVISORY PANEL
Joe Black, Chairman
Roger Biver
John McCormick
Alfreda Campbell
Robert Mangold
Fred Darragh, Jr.
Carolyn Bennett Patterson
Richard Fitzpatrick
Mary Thompson
Stephen Halsey
Don Tobias
Joe Horan
David Watts
John Lindeman
Nelson Wieters
Melvin McCaw
PERFORMING ARTS ADVISORY PANEL
Howard Taubman, Chairman
Alvin Ailey
Quincy Jones
Mirian Colon
Alan Lomax
Gordon Davidson
George London
Katherine Dunham
Leo Perlis
Patrick Henry
Glynn Ross
William Herring
Janos Starker
Sol Hurok
Irene Ware
C. Bernard Jackson
54
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