Researchers at the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute have solved the mystery of “Egyptian Blue.” Continue reading MCI Researchers Help Recreate the World’s Oldest Pigment
If you were curating a mixtape of Earth’s greatest hits that might be heard by aliens billions of years from now—what would you include? Continue reading Space Jams: Humanity’s Ultimate Mixtape
The power and strength symbolized by these silent sentinels have grown deep roots into our collective psyche. Continue reading Trees: Bridges Between Past, Present, and Future
How a nature-lover from Maryland wound up in the high prairie of Montana investigating not only “where the buffalo roam,” but also why. Continue reading Why I’m Tracking Bison Herds Across the Prairie
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced earlier this month that Dr. William “Monty” Graham will become the new director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), effective June 2. Continue reading William (Monty) Graham to take over as SERC director in June
Sixty years after its founding, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center safeguards the vibrant ecosystems—and economic power—of our coastal zones Continue reading SERC has been safeguarding our coastal systems for 60 years
The Curious Case of the Dizzy Kudu. Rhinos with an unexplained skin disease. A lion that could barely chew. Who do you call when there’s a mystery at the zoo? Continue reading Sidedoor pursues the “Zoo’s Clues” with Kali Holder
Can you tell a toxic cane toad from a delicious Túngara frog just by listening? Fringe-lipped bats can. (Guess their super-hearing is some compensation for the fringe-lip thing.) Continue reading Young bats learn to be discriminating when listening for their next meal
Several projects around the Smithsonian will help highlight women’s stories. Continue reading American Women’s History Initiative awards pool funds for 2025
The Awards recognize exceptional work in everything from ancient Arabian art and animal conservation to AI and astronomy. Continue reading Five Smithsonian staff are recipients of the Secretary’s Distinguished Scholar Awards
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
