Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7098, "S. Dillon Ripley Chronology"
Summary:
The National Air and Space Museum opens on the Mall. The ribbon-cutting was accomplished by an electrical impulse that originated in the Viking spacecraft then nearing Mars, burning the ribbon. The ceremony was attended by Michael Collins, director of the Museum, President Gerald Ford, Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, Chancellor Warren Burger, Secretary S. Dillon Ripley, and many others. The building was designed by Gyo Obata of Hellmuth, Obata, and Kassabaum with a modern open design to accommodate the large aircraft and rockets.