Jul
06

Today in Smithsonian History: July 6, 1890

A work and storage area on the third floor of one of the pavilions in the United States National Museum, now the Arts and Industries Building, ca. 1890. Looking to his left, a museum employee stands at a table with an object he is working on. Stored in the room are various artifacts, including works of art, a mirror, Native American objects, and Asian lanterns.

A work and storage area on the third floor of one of the pavilions in the United States National Museum, now the Arts and Industries Building, ca. 1890. Looking to his left, a museum employee stands at a table with an object he is working on. Stored in the room are various artifacts, including works of art, a mirror, Native American objects, and Asian lanterns.

July 6, 1890 The St. Louis Daily Globe Democrat publishes an article on “The Wizard of the National Museum,” describing the exhibits staff who work behind the scenes to create museum exhibits. The article describes their workshop and marvels at their ability to make life-like imitations of almost anything, from humans to plants, animals and minerals with secret formulas and papier mâché casts.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

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Posted: 6 July 2019
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