At its very first meeting, the Smithsonian Board of Regents appointed the first SI employee, William McPeake, to the position of doorkeeper and messenger for the Board, at a salary of $1 per day. They did some other stuff, too. Continue reading The Regents begin work
This week marks the 20th anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Two decades later, this day in American history and the days that followed live on in our collective memory, impacting our national conversation and the lives of people across the glob Continue reading September 11: Stories of a Changed World
This week marks the 20th anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Two decades later, this day in American history and the days that followed live on in our collective memory, impacting our national conversation and the lives of people across the globe. Continue reading September 11: Stories of a Changed World
One hundred and seventy five years ago today, the Board of Regents was in the midst of its inaugural meeting held over three days from September 7–9, 1846, in the Patent Office Building (now the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture). Continue reading Smithsonian 175: The Regents Begin Work
Draw the Curtain, a larger-than-life installation by Swiss-born artist Nicolas Party will unveil the unexpected by turning the the building exterior of the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden into a massive, 360-degree artwork. Installation of the piece has already begun! Stop by the National Mall in Washington D.C. to watch the transformation, or you can view in the completed piece online and in person soon. Continue reading The curtain opens on a dramatic new installation at the Hirshhorn
Dr. Tey Marianna Nunn became the new director of our American Women’s History Initiative on Monday, August 16. Sara Cohen spent some time with Dr. Nunn to find out what inspires her about leading work focused on women’s history at the Smithsonian. Continue reading Meet Dr. Tey Marianna Nunn
Mosquitoes are intricately intertwined with countless plants, animals, microorganisms and pathogens, yet our perception of them remains narrowly focused on the itchy welts they leave and diseases they carry. Indeed, the lesser-known mosquitoes out there reflect a rich diversity that’s hard to ignore once you take a closer look. Chances are there are more than a few that could save lives, if only we could appreciate theirs. Continue reading The Secret Lives of Mosquitoes, the World’s Most Hated Insects
A new Smithsonian initiative that will examine the history and legacy of race and racism kicks August 26 with a virtual summit examining these urgent issues. Continue reading The Relationship Between Race and Wellness Has Never Been More Pressing
The Smithsonian American Art Museum has announced a major acquisition of the works of early Black photographers James P. Ball, Glenalvin Goodridge and Augustus Washington. Continue reading New Collection of Portraits Presents the Diversity of 19th-Century American Photography
As the giant panda team prepares to celebrate Xiao Qi Ji’s first birthday Aug. 21, take a look back at his top 12 milestones that left panda fans around the world in awe and ‘aww.’ Continue reading Happy First Birthday, Xiao Qi Ji!
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
