Apr

Today in Smithsonian History: April 20, 1880

John H. Richard’s studio in the East Range of the Smithsonian Institution Building. Richard was a French-born scientific illustrator and is seen here, approximately a year before his death, painting casts for the Berlin International Fishery Exhibition of 1880. The Smithsonian was awarded the grand prize for the fishery exhibition displaying Richard’s work.

April 20, 1880 On Feb. 16, 1880. the United States Congress appropriated $20,000 to enable the United States Fish Commission to prepare an exhibition at the Berlin International Fishery Exhibition. Smithsonian Secretary Spencer F. Baird appointed Assistant Secretary George Brown Goode as commissioner in charge. Given the short time for preparation, most of the exhibition comes from components of the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, plus a display of improved apparatus for fish culture. The Exhibition opens on April 20, and is scheduled to close on June 1, but because of the popularity of the display it is held over until July 1. The U.S. exhibit wins the very fancy grand prize for the best display.