Today in Smithsonian History: September 9, 1846

A Regents’ meeting in 1954. Note: These are not the original 1846 Regents.

September 9, 1846 The first meeting of the 15-member Smithsonian Board of Regents is held.  Members of the board include: the Vice President of the United States, Chief Justice of the United States and the Mayor of the City of Washington, all ex officio members; three members each of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives; and six citizen members. Four committees are established: an Executive Committee, a committee to prepare a plan to carry out the provisions of the Act of Organization, a committee to investigate formation of a library, and a Building Committee

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

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