As the saying goes, “If you remember Woodstock, you weren’t there.” John Troutman, Curator of American Music in the Division of Cultural and Community Life at the American History Museum, does remember. He shares some insights into the cultural significance of the iconic music festival. Continue reading Remembering Woodstock
Genealogist Hollis Gentry talks about her work rediscovering connections that have been lost to history. Continue reading Weaving family histories when threads have been broken
While showy orchids in sometimes impossible colors are a mainstay of the supermarket flower shop, their more demure wild cousins are disappearing. Scientists hope to understand why before it’s too late. Continue reading Sidedoor: The Wild Orchid Mystery
It was early on a hot July day in 2013 and Siobhan Starrs was terrified… Continue reading How Siobhan Starrs’ harrowing hike shaped the new Fossil Hall
Andy Warhol (August 6, 1928 – February 22, 1987) would have turned 91 today. In honor of the iconic pop artist’s birthday we’re reprising a talk first given by art critic Christopher Knight in 2015. Continue reading Pop goes the critic: Christopher Knight on Andy Warhol
Angry young artists who wanted to shock the bourgeoisie (while having a little fun) are represented in a new exhibition that features Futurism, Dadaism, Surrealism, Pop Art and Cate Blanchett. Continue reading Like prayers coming from another time—Manifesto: Art x Agency
Excitement is in the air at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, where hoofstock keepers are eagerly anticipating the births of three Persian onagers! Get to know this rare and endangered species in this Q&A with supervisory biologist Dolores Reed. What are your favorite facts about Persian onagers? Onagers, in general, have… Continue reading Featured Creature: Persian Onager
One-time aspiring astronaut Emily Key today help mentors the rising stars of the Smithsonian Latino Center’s Young Ambassador’s Program. Continue reading Emily is Key to the success of the Latino Center’s outreach
They may not go canoeing or learn to tie knots, but the kids lucky enough to go Smithsonian Summer Camp are happy campers, indeed. Continue reading Inspiring kids for 50 years
In an historic moment, foundations and museums came together to rescue black history. “This is an optimistic tale,” says Bunch. Continue reading Secretary Lonnie Bunch weighs in on legendary photo archive of African American life
The Smithsonian has a long and storied history of being a little haunted, which is only to be expected when you consider we keep our founder’s body in a crypt at the front door. We want to hear your spooky Smithsonian story! Continue reading Do you believe in ghosts?
The lazy days of August are the perfect time to discover a new book or savor again an old favorite. Secretary Bunch shares some of his reading list—history, biography, poetry and more. What are you reading this summer? Tell us in the comments. Continue reading My Summer Reading List
Ken Wang explains how Apollo 11 represents the best of the American spirit and why we need to revive that spirit to tackle to complex issues we face today. Continue reading Why space travel should still be a national priority
This week we learned that getting a nose job does improve your social life–if you’re an Abyssinian ground hornbill, that is. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was July
August 20, 1957. A "living fossil" goes on display at the Natural History Museum. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: August 20, 1957
