Today in Smithsonian History: September 16, 1965

From left to right: Theodore W. Taylor, Assistant to the Secretary, Smithsonian Institution; Chief Justice Earl Warren, Chancellor, Smithsonian Institution; and S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary, Smithsonian Institution.

September 16, 1965 To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of James Smithson, the founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution, Secretary S. Dillon Ripley organizes a three-day symposium with scholars from around the world. The event includes an academic procession, addresses by Chief Justice Earl Warren and Thomas Boylston Adams, concerts and a parade by the U.S. Marine Corps, a banquet, presentation of the Hodgkins Medal and Smithson Medal, and lectures by distinguished scholars.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

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