Dec
12

Today in Smithsonian History: December 12, 1844

Benjamin Tappan (1773-1857) engraving by P.H. Reason from a daguerreotype by Edwards, ca. 1840s.

Benjamin Tappan (1773-1857) engraving by P.H. Reason from a daguerreotype by Edwards, ca. 1840s.

December 12, 1844 Senator Benjamin Tappan of Ohio introduces a bill to establish the Smithsonian Institution. It emphasizes the useful sciences of natural history, chemistry, geology, astronomy and especially, agricultural experiments. The bill provides for the creation of professorships and lecturers, whose duties feature the productive and liberal arts, especially improvements in agriculture, horticulture and rural economy.  Final legislation is not passed until August 10, 1846.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

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Posted: 12 December 2018
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