Smithsonian names director

Brent D. Glass, executive director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in Harrisburg, Pa., for the last 15 years, has been named director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington.

In announcing the appointment, Lawrence Small, Smithsonian secretary, praised Glass’ “leadership skills, strong academic background and practical experience.” Glass, 55, will take over in December. The post had been vacant for a year.

The museum is home to the flag that inspired the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the hat worn by President Lincoln on the night he was assassinated, Archie Bunker’s chair in “All in the Family” and the ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz.”