Exciting changes are on the horizon for the National Museum of American History—one of the Smithsonian’s best-loved museums and the home of some of its most celebrated objects. The principal focus of this dramatic renewal is our service to the public. How can we make our physical spaces more welcoming and easier to navigate? What are the most effective ways to present our extensive collections? How do we provide the best possible experiences for our visitors? How can we extend the Museum beyond its walls?

In the collaborative spirit that Spencer Crew describes, we are inviting a range of perspectives on these complex questions. I am pleased to work with the staff, the Board, and the Blue Ribbon Commission during this interim period. Change is not always easy for a large institution, but our intentions are clear: a revitalized Museum that is an irresistible drawing card for the public, a Museum that inspires, educates, entertains, and changes lives.