Between 1966 and 1976, SITES intensified its focus on the Institution’s founding mission—the “increase and diffusion of knowledge.” For SITES, this meant increasing its circulation of exhibitions that reflected the Smithsonian’s research and collections. Already well versed in outside collaborations, SITES easily transitioned to working cooperatively within the Institution.

For the 1976 Bicentennial, SITES presented its “International Salute to the States” program, hosting exhibitions sponsored through diplomatic channels such as Belgian Gunmaking and American History and The Dutch Republic in the Days of John Adams, 1775–1795. The primary focus of SITES’ Bicentennial program was aspects of American history and culture explored through exhibitions developed from Smithsonian collections and other U.S. resources. Realizing that exhibitions with original artifacts would limit potential exhibitors to those with high security facilities, SITES developed the “information core” exhibition concept.

The idea was simple, new, and exciting: the exhibitors provided their own artifacts to supplement SITES-produced panel exhibitions on popular subjects such as political history, clothing, and agriculture.

Many of the activities given impetus by the Bicentennial—in particular, a focus on American culture and a dedication to visit as many U.S. communities as possible—were incorporated into SITES’ program and remain there today.

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