It has been a pleasure for me to observe the work of our outstanding curators and educators in the steady stream of exhibits they create that delight and inform our museum visitors Continue reading From the Secretary: Smaller museums’ exhibition gems shine just as brightly
The Smithsonian Institution is known worldwide for our vast and varied collections: diamonds and dinosaurs, pandas and presidential portraits. That’s the easy part. More difficult is helping the public and our other stakeholders understand the remarkable research behind the collections. Continue reading From the Secretary: Telling the stories of the Smithsonian
How can fossils from 55 million years ago help us understand why and how the earth’s climate is warming today? Secretary Clough traveled to Wyoming to find out. Continue reading On the road in Wyoming: The Secretary’s travel journal
One year ago, I began my tenure as Secretary of the Smithsonian. At the Folklilfe Festival’s Buddhist temple, the Bhutanese monks blessed my wife, Anne, and me during their closing ceremony. The blessing obviously “took,” and we have had a wonderful year. Continue reading From the Secretary: My first year
Secretary Wayne Clough, along with several other Smithsonian scientists, is in Kenya to understand the research programs and opportunities at the Mpala Research Centre. The Smithsonian is a partner in the administration of the center. Secretary Clough has agreed to share his observations with The Torch.
Continue reading On the Road in Kenya: Secretary Clough’s travel journals
We’re all careful about first impressions when we meet someone influential—the handshake, eye contact. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was all about the gift! Continue reading From the Secretary: An auspicious moment for the arts
Wayne Clough, 12th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, is in Chile to visit the Las Campanas Observatory in the southern portion of Chile’s Atacama Desert. He will be sharing his observations with Torch readers during his trip.
Continue reading On the Road in Chile: The Secretary’s travel journals
President Obama’s BlackBerry and Abraham Lincoln’s “T-mails” (telegraph transmissions) offer us symbols of new technology’s transformational impact. Continue reading From the Secretary: Creating a community of learners
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
