Today in Smithsonian History: April 2, 1860

Entomology circular, Smithsonian Institution, 1860.

April 2, 1860 Secretary Joseph Henry issues a circular to entomologists, listing the authors of several catalogs underway for different orders of North American insects, and requesting the help of collectors to provide examples of specimens for these catalogs. This is the beginning of the U.S. National Entomological Collection, one of the largest insect collections in the world with more than 35 million specimens.

With more than 35 million specimens housed in more than 132,354 drawers, 33,000 jars or vials, and 23,000 slides in more than 5,200 cabinets, the National Insect Collection is one of the largest entomological collections in the world. (Photo by Chip Clark))

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