A man, a plan, the Smithsonian

Learn more about the man who started it all

James Smithson by Henri-Joseph Johns, 1816

Check out the link below for a lecture given by Heather Ewing, author of “The Lost World of James Smithson”, hosted by the Maryland Historical Society. Ewing explores the life of James Smithson and his decision to leave his fortune to the United States, establishing the Smithsonian Institution.

Today we thank James Smithson for his founding contribution. Without him, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate our dedicated Smithsonian volunteers throughout this Volunteer Appreciation Month!

https://www.c-span.org/video/?470039-1/smithsonian-founder-james-smithson

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