After receiving seven out of the twelve votes from the Smithsonian Board of Regents, Henry became the Institution’s first Secretary on December 3, 1846. Henry’s reputation as one of the leading American scientists helped the Board make their decision, and his experiences reflect the path he set forth for the Institution of which he took charge. Henry laid out his plan for the new Institution in his Programme of Organization. The Programme contained fourteen guiding considerations, including the suggestion that the Smithsonian only undertake programs that cannot be adequately carried out by existing United States institutions, and that the Institution produce a publication, Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, and periodical reports on scientific progress. Henry was reluctant to take on the responsibilities to care for a museum containing the national collections and eliminated the national library provisions from the Smithsonian’s enabling act. Henry also established the principle that James Smithson’s gift would be maintained as an endowment, and began soliciting additional gifts. The Smithsonian Institution Building, or "Castle," was built during his administration, despite his opposition due to concerns over wasting money on a monumental building. It was completed in 1855 with space for exhibitions and lectures, research laboratories, and living quarters for Henry and his family.