October 11, 1975. A new permanent exhibit hall about South America opens at the Natural History Museum Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: October 11, 1975

October 10, 1969. The largest exhibition ever of the work of modernist Charles Sheeler opens at the American Art Museum. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: October 10, 1969

October 9, 1979. What a brilliant idea! A new exhibition celebrates the 100th anniversary of the light bulb. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: October 9, 1979

October 7, 1920. The first Air and Space Museum opens in a humble Quonset Hut. There are no spaceships but there IS a howitzer. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: October 7, 1920

October 6, 1981. Radio Smithsonian airs a nationwide program on the battle of Yorktown. No actual Redcoats were harmed in the making of the broadcast. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: October 6, 1981

October 5, 1968. Opening ceremonies are held for National Portrait Gallery at the historic former Patent Office Building. Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: October 5, 1968

October 4, 1974. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden opens to the public with an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. At least one member of the public is heard to mutter, “You call that art?” Continue reading Today in Smithsonian History: October 4, 1974