The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center set up its first lab in an old dairy barn on the banks of the Rhode River. Five decades later, SERC is at the forefront of research on the effects of climate change, pollution and invasive species on our coasts and waterways. Continue reading Working to save the Bay (and the rest of the planet) for 50 years
Frozen sperm from a genetically valuable giant panda was transported from China to the National Zoo in hopes that artificial insemination will result in a new panda cub this year. Of course, the entire journey was documented on social media because that’s what we do now. Continue reading Plausible panda pop provides potent popsicle; pregnancy possible?
The Paul E. Garber storage facility has housed the collections of the Air and Space Museum since the 1950s in an assembly of unassuming metal warehouses. Artist and photographer Greg Bryant finds a moody beauty in the aging Garber facility. Continue reading The beauty of utility
Guest blogger Rene Rodgers, associate curator at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, sings the praises of the Smithsonian Affiliate program and explains how affiliation can benefit the community as a whole. Continue reading Getting in tune with the Smithsonian in the birthplace of country music
Conservator Dawn Rogala figured out why some mid-century art works are literally cracking under the strain. Continue reading Why is some mid-century art cracking up? A Smithsonian conservator cracks the case.
UPDATED April 10. At 3:15 today, join us in ringing bells to commemorate 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and to show support for the ongoing struggle for civil rights. #BellsAcrosstheLand Continue reading Bells Across the Land: A Nation Remembers Appomattox
We pecked around and uncovered some tasty nuggets on the history of America’s favorite fowl. And don’t miss tonight’s After Hours program at the American History Museum: What the Cluck? (There will be beer!) Discount for Smithsonian staff. (Did we mention the beer?) Continue reading What the Cluck? The definitive answer to which came first, the chicken or the egg
Artist Keith Henry Brown shares his thoughts on how jazz has influenced his art as the creator of two of the promotional posters for Jazz Appreciation Month. Continue reading Discovering the cool at the intersection of art and music
Cast members of the iconic television show “Mad Men” dropped off some vintage swag last week. Continue reading Booze, smokes and a snappy fedora join other relics of American history
Spring is finally here (at least according to the equinox), so what better time to celebrate the history, art and science of gardening? Grace Costantino digs deep into some fertile ground for this history of home gardening. Continue reading Garden Stories: A celebration of gardening
Vote now for the Autumn 2025 Windows Lock Screen. Voting ends Sunday, September 21st! Continue reading Vote now for the Autumn 2025 Windows Lock Screen
(Ed. note: We should note that it's never wise to stand behind a cow, even a buttery one. Cow pies never win blue ribbons.) Continue reading Behind the Butter Cow: A Look at the Renwick’s new State Fair exhibition
More than $2.5 million in grants has been awarded to fund projects ranging from exposing little kids to nature, the link between movement and emotional wellbeing and building a robotic telescope. Continue reading 2025 Together we Thrive
Melanie Adams will serve as interim director beginning August 26. Continue reading Director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum is stepping down
