Barbara Dane refused to compromise her principles in order to achieve mainstream success. Instead, she gave lasting voice to generations protesting for social change. Continue reading Sidedoor: Sing a song of protest
Conceived in the the 1940s as an antidote to hypermasculine superheroes, by the 1970s, the Amazon warrior princess had been stripped of her superpowers and relegated to running a boutique. Continue reading Sidedoor: How Wonder Woman Got Her Groove Back
Just in time for Christmas, the sixth season of the award-winning Sidedoor podcast begins with the tale of a misguided attempt to create a lifelike baby doll. Paging Dr. Frankenstein… Continue reading Thomas Edison’s Demon Dolls
Everything you know is wrong. Well, maybe not everything, but when it comes to the story of the first Thanksgiving, pretty much. Continue reading Sidedoor: That brunch in the forest
This episode of Sidedoor reminds us that humans and wildlife share more than our planet: we share our diseases. Continue reading Sidedoor: The Gorilla Epidemic
If “clothes make the man,” then school dress codes can help make (or break) the girl—and her reputation. Continue reading Sidedoor: Dress Coded
What do an American banjo picker and composer trained in China’s ancient classical style have in common? A lot more than you’d think. Continue reading Sidedoor: Appalachia goes Beijing
Being a “Riverkeeper” might sound a little quaint—even romantic—but protecting critical waterways means spending as much time in court as on the water. Continue reading Sidedoor: The Riverkeeper
What would you give up to gain the vote? On this episode of Sidedoor: Learn how women’s suffrage came to Hawai’i—and at what cost to native Hawaiians. Continue reading Sidedoor: Votes for Hawaiians
Houston has had more than one problem. Continue reading Apollo 12’s really close call
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
