Today in Smithsonian History: January 19, 1836

Portrait of John Quincy Adams 1767-1848), President of the United States and Member of the House of Representatives, ca. 1840s.

January 19, 1836 Former President John Quincy Adams, now representing Massachusetts in the House of Representatives, issues a report strongly urging Congress to accept a bequest made by James Smithson to “the United States of America, to found at Washington, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.”  Adams strongly supported acceptance of the Smithson bequest and urged creation of an astronomical observatory.

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