A Guide to the Records of the Sales Desk, 1955-1971

The Clark Institute’s early organization featured broad departments with a wide range of responsibilities. From the museum’s opening in 1955 until the early 1980’s, the Public Relations/Public Education Department was in charge of the Sales Desk. Under Mildred Flynn, sales supervisor, the Sales Desk functioned as admissions, museum shop, and switchboard for the museum. In the late 1970’s the Clark began conducting research into the possibility of further developing the retail responsibilities of the Sales Desk. Following some years of research and consultation, it was decided that the Sales Desk would become an independent department as the Museum Shop. Responsibilities that had interfered with retail services, such as the switchboard, were removed. Brian O’Grady was hired as manager in 1983. He proceeded to renovate and expand the shop, which was then located at the East entrance of the Manton Building alongside admissions.