Chap. 76.—An ACT to create a permanent commission to be known as the Museum
of Science Commission, and to prescribe its powers, duties and functions in the
establishment and operation of a museum of science for the State of Virginia
and to provide for quarters for the museum. ([S B 20]

Approved March 2, 1946

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia, as follows:

1. Section 1. There is hereby created a commission, to be known
as the State Museum of Science Commission, to be composed of five
members appointed by the Governor from the State at large for terms
coincident with his own. Vacancies shall be filled by the Governor for
the unexpired terms, and members of the Commission shall serve until
their successors are appointed and have qualified. No officer of the State
or member of the General Assembly shall be eligible to serve on the
Commission. In making the appointments the Governor shall select
citizens of proven ability, and foresight in promoting the welfare of the
State. The Commission may adopt a seal for its use and by-laws for its
government and procedure. It shall elect one of its members as chair-
man and another as secretary. Members shall serve without compensa-
tion but shall be paid their actual expenses in the performance of their
duties.

Section 2. As soon as the present Finance Building in the Capitol
Square in Richmond, to which building an addition was made especially
to house the mineral and timber exhibit of the Jamestown I¢xposition, 1s
made available for other use by reason of the removal of its present oc-
cupants to a new State office building, or elsewhere, such Finance Build-
ing shall be set aside as a permanent home for a museum of science for
the State of Virginia.
Section 3. When the Finance Building becomes available for the
purpose, the Commission shall thereupon establish, and maintain and
operate therein, a museum to be known as the State Museum of Science,
which shall be comparable to like museums established in other Southern
States, and shall be for the use and benefit of all the citizens of the State.

Section 4. The Commission may acquire by purchase, gift, loan or
otherwise, any articles, objects, exhibits or other property which in its
opinion are suitable for the purposes of the museum, and may accept on
behalf of the State and administer any donations, devises or bequests of
real or personal property for the use or endowment of the museum, or
for any special purpose designated by the donor.

Section 5. When the Commission is ready to establish the pro-
posed museum it shall select and appoint a man of demonstrated ability in
the field of science and in museum methods and practices as director
thereof, to serve at the pleasure of the Commission, and to receive such
salary not less than six thousand dollars as is provided by law. The
director shall be authorized to obtain such equipment and supplies and
to employ such personnel as necessary in the establishment and admin-
istration of the museum of science, and he shall be its executive officer
under the general supervision of the Commission.