March 15, 1991. A controversial exhibition at the American Art Museum angers Republican politicians who threaten to cut the Smithsonian’s funding. Yes, again. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: March 15, 1991
March 14, 2005. Lonnie G. Bunch is named founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Museum opened September 24, 2016. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: March 14, 2005
After nearly 40 years of service to the Smithsonian, Harold Closter, the director of Smithsonian Affiliations, will retire from the Institution on June 3. Continue reading Director of Smithsonian Affiliations to become unaffiliated later this year
March 13, 1956. Smithsonian scientists (including more than one Professor but no Gilligans or Mary Anns that we are aware of) embark on a specimen-collecting cruise. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: March 13, 1956
With the proliferation of “alternative facts” and accusations of “fake news” formenting ever deeping distrust of traditional media and information sources, where do we turn for nonpartisan, unbiased and accurate information about the world around us and the events that affect us? Continue reading Trusted Sources: Why museums and libraries are more relevant than ever
Nearly 50 years after NASA’s first moon landing, the Apollo 11 command module Columbia is taking another journey. Continue reading Destination: Moon
Record-breaking crowds turn out for Smashing Pumpkins! Or rather, pumpkin-smashing crowd turns out for record breaking exhibition! In a week where we learned more about cuts to arts funding, it’s great to see an art exhibition draw a rock-star audience. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was Feb. 26 – Mar. 4, 2017
The curator joins the museum’s growing curatorial team after organizing the recent Armory Show in New York and serving as assistant curator at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Continue reading Jarrett Gregory heads to the Hirshhorn
March 4, 1881. The inaugural ball for President James Garfield is held at the as-yet unfinished National Museum building. Less than four months later, on July 2, 1881, Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C.; he died in Elberon, New Jersey eleven weeks later, on September 19, 1881. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: March 4, 1881
In an era of alternative facts and “false news,” the 2017 History Film Forum offers an in-depth look at how film and television shape our understanding of historic events. Continue reading Are movies good history teachers?
You like us, you really like us! (Most of the time, anyway.) Continue reading The Strength of the Smithsonian: Results of the Volunteer Survey
Dr. Skorton takes some time to visit with our volunteers and introduce a new feature on Torch, Volunteer Voices. Continue reading The Value of Our Volunteers
You like us, you really like us! (Most of the time, anyway.) Continue reading The Strength of the Smithsonian: Results from the Smithsonian Volunteer Survey
We took a closer look at some underappreciated women this week (aren’t they all?) and learned that for some species, size really does matter. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was April 8 – April 14, 2018
April 23, 1900. Congress authorizes the Smithsonian to exhibit Benjamin Franklin's printing press at the New York Printing Exposition. There is even some historical evidence that Franklin actually used the press once. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: April 23, 1900
