Sep
12
Diamonds are a museum’s best friend
Rare, beautiful and ancient, diamonds can offer insight into the planet’s geological history. Continue reading Diamonds are a museum’s best friend
Sep
09
“State of the Birds” Report Assesses the Health of the Nation’s Birds
The bad news? Bird populations are down in many key habitats. The good news: Conservation efforts work–if they’re applied. Continue reading “State of the Birds” Report Assesses the Health of the Nation’s Birds
Sep
03
Words Take Flight at the Sackler Gallery
Imagine a form of writing so beautiful it eclipses the meaning of the words it conveys. “Nasta‘liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy” is the first exhibition of the visually stunning script of ancient poetry. Continue reading Words Take Flight at the Sackler Gallery
Aug
27
How did SI staff beat the heat before AC?
We all complain about Washington, D.C.’s notorious summertime heat and humidity, but what if you had to stuff a hippopotamus while wearing a suit, vest and tie, all without benefit of air conditioning? Yesterday’s curators were a hardy bunch. Continue reading How did SI staff beat the heat before AC?
Aug
25
Bringing “The Ancient One” to life
A new book reveals the legacy of “Kennewick Man” 9,000 years after he lived and died in the Pacific Northwest. Continue reading Bringing “The Ancient One” to life
Aug
22
FOOD in the Garden
Get your nosh on in the American History Museum’s Victory Garden. September’s FOOD in the Garden program focuses on waterways and foodways and examines the connections between land and water, people and food. Did we forget to mention the beer tastings? There will be beer. Continue reading FOOD in the Garden
Aug
20
We’d GIF a lot to be this talented
Who says old books have to be dry and dusty tomes? Richard Naples turns that idea on its head (and upside down and inside out) in a series of charming–and slightly surreal–animations. Continue reading We’d GIF a lot to be this talented
Aug
18
A poison ivy primer
Get the straight dope on this summertime scourge Continue reading A poison ivy primer
Aug
15
Crowdsourcing the olinguito
Remember the olinguito? The adorable combination of teddy bear and meerkat immediately became a top contender for world’s cutest animal when it stepped into the spotlight last year. Find out what we’ve learned about this elusive creature since then. Continue reading Crowdsourcing the olinguito
Aug
14
Connecting the oceans: The 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal
A man, a plan, a canal: Panama! Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal. Find out more about its history and the Smithsonian’s long connection with Panama in this post from Pamela Henson. Continue reading Connecting the oceans: The 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal
