Dr. Gabriela Farfan has big plans for the museum’s collection of 10,000 gemstones and 385,000 mineral specimens. Continue reading Meet the Smithsonian’s new curator of gems and minerals
Not all birds fly south for the winter! Banish the winter blues with a series of bird-centered programs from Smithsonian Associates. Continue reading A Birding Winter with Smithsonian Associates
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
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?
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
