July 17, 1838. After winning a lawsuit over the disposition of James Smithson’s will, United States Special Agent Richard Rush sails from England with the proceeds from the estate–about $12 million in today’s dollars (or about two percent of the Smithsonian’s annual operating budget.) Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: July 17, 1838
It may be a truism that Washington was built in a swamp, but humidity, water damage and mold from floods, broken pipes and our swampy summers are real threats to the collections in our care. Continue reading Water, water, everywhere can cause more damage than you think
July 16, 1946. President Harry Truman places the Canal Zone Biological Area in Panama under Smithsonian administration. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: July 16, 1946
July 15,1886. Thomas Smillie becomes the first custodian of the first Section of Photographic History at the United States National Museum as well as its first photographer. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: July 15, 1896
July 14, 1986. In a stroke of marketing genius, the first ATM at the Air & Space Museum is installed at the entrance to the souvenir shop. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: July 14, 1986
July 13, 1974. The World Eskimo Olympics take place on the Mall. Some events are cancelled when organizers realize too late that it rarely snows in July in Washington, D.C. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: July 13, 1974
Do you have what it takes to star in your own personal version of Night at the Museum? Continue reading Sleepovers: Rocking the Night Shift
July 12, 1953 Dr. Howard K. Thompson’s collection of miniature soldiers goes on display in the Arms Court of the Arts and Industries Building. We really wish we knew more about this. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: July 12, 1953
July 11, 1906. The National Gallery of Art becomes an official part of the Smithsonian. Except not really, because THAT National Gallery became the American Art Museum and the present-day National Gallery is NOT a part of the Smithsonian and tourists remain as confused as ever. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: July 11, 1906
July 10, 1980. The Naos Seawater System is inaugurated at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, which is, serendipitously, surrounded by seawater . Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: July 10, 1980
It may be a truism that Washington was built in a swamp, but humidity, water damage and mold from floods, broken pipes and our swampy summers are real threats to the collections in our care. Continue reading Water, water, everywhere can cause more damage than you think
The world dumps the equivalent of a garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute of every day, year after year. Secretary Skorton explains how the Smithsonian is trying to slow the deluge—and what you can do to help. Continue reading Plastic or Planet?
Do you have what it takes to star in your own personal version of Night at the Museum? Continue reading Sleepovers: Rocking the Night Shift
Art, Oprah and a possible panda pregnancy made the news this week. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was June 3 – June 9, 2018
July 17, 1838. After winning a lawsuit over the disposition of James Smithson's will, United States Special Agent Richard Rush sails from England with the proceeds from the estate--about $12 million in today's dollars (or about two percent of the Smithsonian's annual operating budget.) Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: July 17, 1838
