Smithsonian Board To Talk Finances At Public Forum

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Smithsonian Board of Regents is holding its annual public meeting to answer questions and address issues facing the world's largest museum and research complex.

Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough and board members including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts are scheduled to attend Monday. The meeting will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the Hirshhorn Museum on the National Mall.

Roberts is chancellor of the Smithsonian in his role as chief justice. Other board members include members of Congress and leaders from the private sector.

The board is expected to discuss the status of the Smithsonian's federal funding amid budget cuts, the weak economy's impact on private fundraising and other priorities for the museum complex.

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