Researchers at the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute have solved the mystery of “Egyptian Blue.” Continue reading MCI Researchers Help Recreate the World’s Oldest Pigment
How Ronald Reagan helped elevate Disneyworld to America’s pantheon of honored patriotic pilgrimages. Continue reading Independence Hall, Gettysburg and – Epcot Center?
If you were curating a mixtape of Earth’s greatest hits that might be heard by aliens billions of years from now—what would you include? Continue reading Space Jams: Humanity’s Ultimate Mixtape
The power and strength symbolized by these silent sentinels have grown deep roots into our collective psyche. Continue reading Trees: Bridges Between Past, Present, and Future
With skills and talents that span the arts and humanities as well as STEM, Kelly Beam’s eclectic interests are demonstrated in her choice of favorite Smithsonian things. Continue reading A Few of My Favorite Things: Kelly Beam
How a nature-lover from Maryland wound up in the high prairie of Montana investigating not only “where the buffalo roam,” but also why. Continue reading Why I’m Tracking Bison Herds Across the Prairie
The Curious Case of the Dizzy Kudu. Rhinos with an unexplained skin disease. A lion that could barely chew. Who do you call when there’s a mystery at the zoo? Continue reading Sidedoor pursues the “Zoo’s Clues” with Kali Holder
From high-school English teacher and steakhouse line cook to the manager of a 4,000-item botany collection, Sue Lutz’ career demonstrates that “luck is preparation meeting opportunity.” Continue reading A Few of My Favorite Things: Sue Lutz
Can you tell a toxic cane toad from a delicious Túngara frog just by listening? Fringe-lipped bats can. (Guess their super-hearing is some compensation for the fringe-lip thing.) Continue reading Young bats learn to be discriminating when listening for their next meal
From silent films to streaming services, cinema has evolved throughout the past 150 years and continues to shape American culture and technology. Continue reading Lights, Camera, Curate: Understanding the History and Preservation of the Film Industry
The President's budget for fiscal year 2026, released May 30, includes deep cuts to Smithsonian federal funding. Secretary Bunch explains the federal appropriations process and reminds us of the long road between initial requests and final budget. Continue reading FY 2026 Appropriations Process
A chance encounter and a new exhibition demonstrate the power of photography to “Secure the shadow, ere the substance fade.” Continue reading From Shadow to Substance
Salute your colleagues June 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the American History Museum's Warner Brothers Theater. Continue reading Introducing this year’s Unsung Heroes
Kara Blond brings 25 years of experience to her new role, including previous stints at the Smithsonian. Continue reading Director named for SITES | Affiliations
Relive the highlights from this year's Volunteer Appreciation Event--or experience the event for the first time through the miracle of video. Continue reading Highlights from the 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Event
