May
04

Today in Smithsonian History: May 4, 1978

Spencer Baird by Leonard Baskin, 1978. (Photographer unknown, via Smithsonian Institution Archives)

Spencer Baird by Leonard Baskin, 1978. (Photographer unknown, via Smithsonian Institution Archives)

May 4, 1978 Leonard Baskin’s bronze statue of Spencer Fullerton Baird, the second Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, is unveiled in the Victorian Garden behind the Smithsonian “Castle.” The garden was relandscaped by the Office of Horticulture to accommodate the statue.

Baird's statue was later moved to the west entrance of the Arts and Industries Building. (Photo by John Barrat)

Baird’s statue was later moved to the west entrance of the Arts and Industries Building. (Photo by John Barrat)

In preparation for the renovation of the Arts & Industries Building in 2009, "Baird in the Box" served to protect the statue from possible damage.(Photo by John Barrat)

In preparation for the renovation of the Arts & Industries Building in 2009, “Baird in the Box” served to protect the statue from possible damage.(Photo by John Barrat)

Related posts:

Today in Smithsonian History: April 18, 1951 Cropped photo of traditional Cherokee tools“Cherokee Days” at NMAI should have lasted at least a week! Today in Smithsonian History: April 16, 1972 Animated gif of Greenaway drawingDon’t burst our bubble–It’s almost spring, isn’t it?

Posted: 4 May 2019
About the Author:

The Torch relies on contributions from the entire Smithsonian community.