How it started. How it’s going.

Watch the latest program from the Officer of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management to learn more about the history of the Smithsonian.

At the end of last month, the Office of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management (OVS) hosted Laura Shafer, volunteer docent at the Smithsonian Castle, for a virtual program about our founding benefactor, James Smithson, and the early years of the Institution. Laura explained how the Smithsonian came to be and, after her informative presentation, answered viewers questions. This program was offered exclusively to Smithsonian volunteers. If you were unable to join us live (or you just want to watch it again!), you can do so now below.

In addition, we below you’ll find the extra information that was discussed during the program:

• Here is a link to the video Laura mentions which demonstrates how to use a blowpipe: “Centennial Blowpipe Demonstration” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=UKLrGfiCFt0&feature=youtu.be.
• For anyone interested in delving into this subject more deeply on their own, these are Laura’s suggested James Smithson and Castle resources:
  • The Lost World of James Smithson by Heather Ewing
  • The Science of James Smithson: Discoveries from the Smithsonian Founder by Steven Turner
  • The Castle: An Illustrated History of the Smithsonian Building by Richard E. Stamm
  • The Smithsonian Castle and the Seneca Quarry by Garrett Peck
• If you’re interested in volunteering from home right now, here are some links to take you to ongoing and completed transcription projects that are related to our topic today. The projects are offered through the Smithsonian Transcription Center.
  • Spencer Baird Materials – https://transcription.si.edu/project/6703
  • Board of Regents Meeting Minutes – https://transcription.si.edu/browse?filter=owner%3A8&showcompleted=1&page=44&sort=&difficulty=
  • Joseph Henry’s Daily Journal – https://transcription.si.edu/project/6630
  • Mary Henry Diary – https://transcription.si.edu/project/6622

If you prefer to watch the transcribed recording with closed captions, please visit this link:

Recording Link: https://smithsonian.zoom.us/rec/share/Kh1QRHGlh3AYvtsmLwGoE6Xgyo5FAOyjhM9vaW91QJ-VD1WvpaneOevLUK8eM45D.afCmQlAqaAReVqpY

Passcode: ?U^L#0t8

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