Dec

Smithsonian 175: Mr. Henry Goes to Washington

One hundred and seventy-five years ago today, December 3, 1846, Joseph Henry, then professor of physics at Princeton University and arguably the foremost scientist in America (the “Henry,” an international measure of electrical induction, was named for him), was “elected” the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. “Upon the choice of this single officer,” the Regents’ Committee on Organization stated, “more than probably on any other act . . . will depend the future good name and success and usefulness of the Smithsonian Institution.”

Joseph Henry portrait — Photograph of a portrait of Joseph Henry (1797-1878), physicist and first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution (1846-1878). Portrait painter Henry Ulke first painted Henry in 1875, for display at the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876. That portrait was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1917, and hung for many years in the Secretary’s Parlor in the Smithsonian Institution Building or “Castle.” This is an 1879 version by Ulke derived from the original 1875 portrait. (Courtesy Smithsonian Libraries and Archives)

Henry’s election (pursuant to the Public Law establishing the Smithsonian, the Board “elects” the Secretary, rather than appoints) capped a three-month search for the Smithsonian’s first chief executive officer. In a time well before formal vacancy announcements, certs, and position descriptions, the Regents nevertheless publicly announced the “critical job elements” for being Secretary, resolving:

“That the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution be a man possessing weight of character; and a high grade of talent; and that he possess eminent scientific and general acquirements; that he be a man capable of advancing science and promoting letters . . . and, in a word, [be] a man worthy to represent before the world of science and of letters the institution.”

According to research conducted by the Joseph Henry Papers project, about 27 candidates were seriously considered, including lawyers, former Congressmen, diplomats, librarians, authors and journalists, and a Presbyterian minister.

Meeting of Natl Academy of Sciences — Meeting of the National Academy of Sciences in the Mineral Hall, West Wing, Smithsonian Institution Building, “Castle,” April 1874. Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian (1846-1878) is seated at the head of the room behind a small table. The rest of the participants are seated around the room.Although Mary Henry is the only woman identified at the meeting, there are five other women present as well. (Courtesy Smithsonian Libraries and Archives)

After years of debate by the public, in Congress, and between the Regents about what kind of learning institution the Smithsonian should be, the election of the physicist Henry made one thing clear: the Smithsonian’s early focus would be on the advancement of science. Regent Alexander Dallas Bache informed Henry of his election, noting:

“You have just been declared elected Sec. of the Smithsonian Institution & the board has unanimously approved of the result & invited you to come. . . , Science Triumphs. Io Paean!!”

Henry formally accepted the position four days later (“The die is cast and I have resolved to go to Washington,” he wrote his brother). Henry would serve as Secretary for the Smithsonian’s first 32 years. His 1847 “Programme of Organization”– our proto-strategic plan– laid the foundation for a Smithsonian that would eventually study and share “everything under (and including) the Sun.” Future Smithsonian 175 programming will examine more closely Henry’s tenure — the longest of any Secretary and marked by significant achievements, challenges, and controversies both for the fledgling Smithsonian and Henry personally.

Joseph Henry statue on National Mall in front of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle. (Courtesy Smithsonian Libraries and Archives

Also see Record Unit 371, Box 4, Folder: February 1984.
From 35mm black and white negative.

On his death in 1878, the Federal government closed for his funeral, and closed again in 1883 when his statue was dedicated near the Castle on the National Mall. As part of dedication ceremony, John Philip Sousa led the Marine Band in the performance of “The Transit of Venus,” which Sousa composed in Henry’s honor.

An overview of Henry’s life and contributions to science and the Smithsonian is at Joseph Henry, 1797-1878 | Smithsonian Institution Archives (si.edu).