On August 24, 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined “planet” and reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet. The demotion caused an uproar. After all, in the words of one esteemed scientist, “A dwarf hamster is still a hamster.” We revisited the debate a decade later. Continue reading Is Pluto a planet? The votes are in!
Founding Director Lonnie Bunch’s story is by turns inspiring, funny, frustrating, quixotic, bittersweet, and above all, a compelling read. Continue reading Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III to embark on national book tour
Artist David Levinthal toys with history by creating a dream of America populated by sloe-eyed Barbies, bow-legged cowboys and fast cars with big fins. Listen to his vision on Sidedoor. Continue reading Sidedoor: Memory, Myth & Miniatures
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
Don’t ever complain about your crappy job again. Continue reading The Poop Scoop: How dung helps us understand rhino reproduction
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
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 were all about women–from the ongoing struggle for suffrage and representation to groundbreaking celebrities and First Ladies. We also outed a geothermal plant pretending to be a volcano–can’t slip anything past us! Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was August 4 – August 10, 2019
August 25, 2006. "Treasures of American History" prepares to open at a temporary home at the Air and Space Museum. These ARE the droids you are looking for. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: August 25, 2006
