HBF Exhibit Opens

Press Release
Coin World, 7/30/01

Bass coin exhibit opens at ANA
during preview of renovations

(for More Pictures of the Opening, click here)

Visitors to the American Numismatic Association headquarters July 14 got a preview of the association's renovated library and museum, including the newly opened Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection exhibit.

At the ceremony markng the preview and opening of the facilities, ANA President H. Robert Campbell said that with the remodeling, "the ANA truly is prepared for the millennium and the ANA's second century."

United States Mint Director Jay W. Johnson, who spoke at the ceremony attended by more than 200 people, compared the event to the World Series and Super Bowl wrapped up into one great event.

Doris Bass, widow of Harry W. Bass Jr., whose core collection of United States gold coins, patterns and paper money is on long-term loan at the ANA Money Museum, said that much as her late husband enjoyed researching, studying and discovering among the thousands of pieces that made up his collection, "He was even more enthusiastic about the idea of sharing what he found with others."

The ANA began the renovation project last December, replacing all of the former museum galleries with two open exhibit areas spread over two floors, with new, moveable display cases that allow for greater flexibility. The first floor renovation of the museum is nearly complete and features an exhibit titled "Proud Spirits - American Indians, Bison and U.S. Money," inspired by the Indian Head 5-cent coin.

Space for the ANA Library was more than doubled by expanding it into the lower level of the association's headquarters. The building was erected in 1967 and an addition was made in 1982. Even with the added space nearly 20 years ago, the ANA.Library needed more room as its books, auction catalogs, periodicals and audio- visual programs cataloged over that same time have increased four-fold.

Campbell noted that even though much of the construction work is completed, "the hardest part still lies ahead of us:' He thanked all those who have contributed for their generous donations, and asked those in attendance to "go home and tell others what you saw and experienced today. I encourage you to express the importance of what is being done at their ANA."

J. Michael Wylie, who served as Harry Bass' lawyer for 18 years, told how the foundation's trustees believed the ANA was the perfect place for the Bass Core Collection, which consists of more than 500 items and is valued at more than $20 million.

"We are thrilled to be here today," he said, "to see the opening of this first-class facility."