With skills and talents that span the arts and humanities as well as STEM, Kelly Beam’s eclectic interests are demonstrated in her choice of favorite Smithsonian things. Continue reading A Few of My Favorite Things: Kelly Beam
From high-school English teacher and steakhouse line cook to the manager of a 4,000-item botany collection, Sue Lutz’ career demonstrates that “luck is preparation meeting opportunity.” Continue reading A Few of My Favorite Things: Sue Lutz
When a museum mom says one of her favorite things is a “Lil’ Stinker,” it’s wise to double-check what she’s referring to! Continue reading A Few of my Favorite Things: Shannon Baldioli
Some charred pennies, a fragment from another world and the joy of young children help tell the story of hope and resilience in a complicated world. Continue reading A few of my favorite things: Paul Gardullo
Whether the subject is angry peacocks or classic American musicals, Franklin Robinson’s favorites are as diverse as his work. Continue reading A few of my favorite things: Franklin Robinson
Adrienne Smith’s favorite things show how music, myth, and legend contributed to her own personal culture. Continue reading A few of my favorite things: Adrienne Smith
What do a cab driver’s autograph album and Columbus’ arrival in the New World have in common? Ask the archivist at the Anacostia Community Museum. Continue reading A few of my favorite things: Jennifer Morris
Over the course of a 50-year career, Pam Henson has helped change the way we tell the Smithsonian story. Her favorite things about the Institution reflect her passion for including everyone’s contributions in the history of a great Institution. Continue reading A few of my favorite things: Pam Henson
The Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage needs volunteers before, during and after the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which will be held on the National Mall June 29 to July 4 and July 6 to July 9. Continue reading Folklife Festival is seeking volunteers
What do a world-famous singer and the migration patterns of Korean red-crowned cranes have in common? Ask Leslie Ureña of the National Portrait Gallery. Continue reading A few of my favorite things: Leslie Ureña
The President's budget for fiscal year 2026, released May 30, includes deep cuts to Smithsonian federal funding. Secretary Bunch explains the federal appropriations process and reminds us of the long road between initial requests and final budget. Continue reading FY 2026 Appropriations Process
A chance encounter and a new exhibition demonstrate the power of photography to “Secure the shadow, ere the substance fade.” Continue reading From Shadow to Substance
Salute your colleagues June 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the American History Museum's Warner Brothers Theater. Continue reading Introducing this year’s Unsung Heroes
Kara Blond brings 25 years of experience to her new role, including previous stints at the Smithsonian. Continue reading Director named for SITES | Affiliations
Relive the highlights from this year's Volunteer Appreciation Event--or experience the event for the first time through the miracle of video. Continue reading Highlights from the 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Event
