As 2024 kicks off, the Office of Visitor Services and Volunteer Management thanks the Smithsonian Volunteers for their service and shares what an amazing year 2023 was! Continue reading 2023 Smithsonian Volunteer Wrap Up
President Biden has authorized a 5.2% pay raise for Federal employees that includes an across-the-board 4.7% raise and an average 0.5% increase in locality pay. Additionally, Secretary Bunch approved the same increase for all Trust employees. Continue reading Federal and Trust pay raise takes effect January 14
A new agreement renews the working relationship between the two organizations and strengthens a framework for collaboration. Continue reading Smithsonian and the State Department team up for global impact
One of spring’s earliest harbingers is the delicate lavender blooms of the Eastern Redbud, but there is still some mystery about when and why these small trees bloom each year. Continue reading Become a Citizen Scientist – Join the Redbud Phenology Project!
This year, National Museum of Natural History Director Kirk Johnson helped spearhead an effort to add up the collections of the world’s largest museums. Continue reading 1.1 Billion Objects and Counting: Inside the Effort to Tally Natural History Specimens Around the Globe
Our gift to you this holiday season is this selection of cherished carols recorded by the inimitable Chamber Music Society. Please enjoy and share! Continue reading Sweet Was the Song: Ancient music for modern times
We hear this song every new year, but what does it actually mean? And what does a sad Charlie Chaplin have to do with it? Find out on this edition of Sidedoor. Continue reading Auld Lang What?
The Smithsonian’s Board of Regents has appointed three new members to the National Museum of the American Latino board of trustees. Continue reading Three new members named to NMAL board
Researchers from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History led a new analysis that sheds light on the ancestry and genetics of woolly dogs, a now extinct breed of dog. Continue reading Why did these adorable “wooly dogs” disappear?
We invite you to come together next Monday, Dec 11 to remember the life and impact of our dear friend and colleague, Effie Kapsalis. Continue reading In Memoriam: Remembering Effie Kapsalis
The Smithsonian's 12th collaboration with USA Today honors American veterans. Continue reading America’s Veterans: Honor, Service, and Sacrifice
Secretary Bunch announces a generous gift from Lily Endowment to fund the Smithsonian's celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026. Continue reading A new $40 million grant will fund America’s 250th programming and events
After three decades answering visitors' questions, is there anything she doesn't know about the Smithsonian? Continue reading Bridget Balog celebrates 30 years with the Smithsonian
Meet the newest member of the OVS staff: An enthusiastic historian and writer with a touch of Army discipline. Continue reading Introducing Troy Huber
The Office of Visitor Services is excited to announce that we are recruiting for a new season of volunteer Smithsonian Ambassadors! Continue reading Ambassadors needed to meet visitors where they are
