The Curious Case of the Dizzy Kudu. Rhinos with an unexplained skin disease. A lion that could barely chew. Who do you call when there’s a mystery at the zoo? Continue reading Sidedoor pursues the “Zoo’s Clues” with Kali Holder
From the time we’re old enough to hold a crayon, it feels instinctive to draw on the wall, even though we quickly learn to suppress the impulse. (Sorry, mom!) But for MISS CHELOVE – also known as Cita Sadeli – this instinct became a calling. Continue reading What is the role of the public artist? Sidedoor reads the “Writing on the Wall”
Follow a trail of fish heads and poop splats as we investigate why river otters are showing up where they’ve never been before. Continue reading Welcome Back, Otter!
All three Giant Pandas are leaving the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for China this week. Why now? Pandas have lived and thrived at the Zoo for more than 50 years, since the first Giant Panda arrived as a gift from China during the Nixon administration. Continue reading The end of a beara: Farewell Giant Pandas
In space, no one can hear you scream…in frustration that sexism has kept women running in place. Continue reading In space, no one can hear you scream…in frustration.
We think of paintings as art, but can they also be a source of historical and scientific data? Three centuries ago, a young prince inherited the throne in Udaipur, India, and brought with him some newfangled ideas about art. Continue reading Monsoon Mood
When Sidedoor listener Cliff Hall bought a used violin, he found a tattered note tucked alongside the century-old instrument. Obsessed with this cryptic piece of paper, Cliff’s quest to find the owner of the violin unlocked a tale of subterfuge, scandal, and the Smithsonian’s first donation of rare instruments. Continue reading The Phantom Violins
The monuments a Black sculptor created to honor Black Americans may not be what you’d expect. Continue reading The monumental imagination of Augusta Savage
What is it about a mistletoe that says “smooch?” And what the heck is figgy pudding anyway? In this holiday special, we track down the origins of some puzzling Christmastime traditions, jingling all the way from Norse mythology to Victorian home cooking, the Emancipation Proclamation, and even out of this world. Continue reading A very merry Sidedoor!
Lucy Hicks Anderson never let anyone tell her how to live her life – not even the courts Continue reading Lucy Hicks Anderson: Fearlessly Female
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
