Report of the National Visitor Center Study Commission: National Visitor Center, Washington, D.C.

Plavnick, Robert

In November 1966, the Congress authorized this Commission to make a study of a National Visitor Center and to report accordingly. It charged the Commission to investigate sites and make plans to provide facilities and services for students and visitors to the Nation's Capital. It suggested the following activities and services be included in the Center: 1) exhibits, lectures, films, and displays for informing, instructing, and orienting visitors respecting the history, growth, development of the Nation, the Nation's Capital, and the organization and operation of the Federal Government in all its branches; 2) exhibits and displays by the individual States, territories, and possessions, and the District of Columbia, with respect to their history, resources, scenic attractions, and other appropriate matters; 3) providing information and assistance to visitors to facilitate their enjoyment and appreciation of the Nation's Capital and its historic and cultural resources; 4) providing specialized information and assistance to foreign visitors to facilitate and encourage their travel throughout the United States; 5) providing special services to visiting student groups, including scheduling, registration, and coordination of tours; and 6) providing auxiliary services such as parking, local transportation, and information centers at strategic locations necessary for the convenience of visitors. The Commission is charged to report the results of its findings by September 15, 1967. This report is to fulfill that requirement and to lead the way to the next step, proceeding with implementation of the National Visitor Center. Although this report deals with one Visitor Center, it must be emphasized that this is just the beginning of a program for visitors to the Nation's Capital. Since the program itself and facilities to house it are unique, this first step must be based on the best estimates of the nature of the orientation program, the number of visitors using it, and the necessary auxiliary facilities. Only actual operation of the Center will give the information needed to present the most useful program for visitors. Both the program and the facilities must be sufficiently flexible to permit continuing assessment and improvement. Over the years, new techniques for presenting the program will be developed; changes in taste and sophistication of the visitor can be expected; and the demands of expanding attendance must be considered. It is quite likely that as the number of visitors increases, as as the success of the program draws greater attendance, additional facilities will be needed. It is essential, therefore, to consider continuing review and development a part of the Visitor Program. The Commission studied the previous work on the needs of visitors to the Nation's Capital and has conducted its own investigations into various aspects of a Visitor Center in order to prepare this report.

Report of the National Visitor Center Study Commission: National Visitor Center, Washington, D.C.

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