Today in Smithsonian History: December 13, 1847

Programme of Organization of the Smithsonian Institution presented to the Board of Regents, December 8, 1847, by the first Secretary Joseph Henry

December 13, 1847 The Board of Regents adopts Secretary Joseph Henry’s Programme of Organization of the Smithsonian Institution. Henry’s plan contains 14 guiding considerations, including the suggestion that the Smithsonian only undertake programs that cannot be adequately carried out by existing United States institutions. A key feature of the plan is the publication of Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge and periodical reports on scientific progress.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

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