Dr. Sabrina Sholts, curator of biological anthropology at the National Museum of Natural History, explains where the corona virus came from, how it is spreading and what you can do to prevent getting it. Continue reading Are we on the verge of a global pandemic?
This week, the third impeachment trial of a sitting U.S. president is unfolding. Jon Grinspan explains how historians put momentous times in perspective. Continue reading Thinking about impeachment like a historian
The first female Secretary of State—and the highest ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government at the time—used humor and the traditional accoutrements of femininity to practice her own kind of diplomacy. Continue reading The dazzling diplomacy of Madeleine Albright
To celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day, the Torch is revisiting a chat we had with the Smithsonian’s resident squirrel expert, Richard Thorington, in 2013. Continue reading A world of research from a kitchen window
Transform the grief and despair that still lingers from the loss of Martin Luther King Jr by honoring his legacy on a national day of service. Continue reading Turning mourning into meaning
How do you read an old book that might poison you? Very, very carefully. Continue reading Arsenic and old books
The FY2020 federal appropriations for the Smithsonian includes funding for the Women’s History Initiative and Latino programming, more money for deferred maintenance and approval for the purchase of a new office building. Continue reading Show us the money!
For a quarter of a century, the Museum on Main Street program has brought the Smithsonian to small-town audiences and rural communities. Continue reading Sharing the stories of America
Discovering four watercolors by Yayoi Kusama in SAAM’s Joseph Cornell Study Center Continue reading The Lost Kusamas
John Barrat profiles one of our Smithsonian colleagues whose work is on display in the Artists at Work exhibition. Continue reading Artist at Work: Jackson Tanner
A new partnership with award-winning IDW Publishing will produce a series of graphic novels based on Smithsonian stories and collections. Continue reading The Smithsonian gets graphic
From his favorite pizza topping to his secret career aspiration, Secretary Bunch answers 20 questions to begin 2020. Continue reading Twenty Questions for 2020
The recipients of the 2019 Smithsonian Education Awards for Achievement and Innovation were announced by Secretary Bunch Dec. 17. Continue reading 2019 Smithsonian Education Award winners announced
Jane Milosch will pursue her interest in international cultural heritage at the university of Glasgow. Continue reading Jane Milosch is departing for Scotland
Did you know the Smithsonian Tropical Research Center has over 100 volunteers who contributed more than 40,000 hours of service last year? That’s the equivalent of nearly 20 full time staff members! Continue reading Did you know?
This week we learned of an enormous structure of hot gas in the middle of the Milky Way. We’re fairly certain it did not originate on Earth. But then again… Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week than was January 3 – January 10, 2020
January 17, 1883. The Board of Regents asks Congress for more money for the U.S. National Museum. They don't get it. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: January 17, 1883
