Volunteers are transcribing the Smithsonian’s collection in days, rather than decades. Be a part of our grand mission to increase and diffuse knowledge!
Continue reading Replacing the pen with the pixel
The rise of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has ushered in an era of intense drilling that has been called the great shale gas rush. Continue reading The Conversation: Without full disclosure of accidents and chemicals used, fracking risks remain unknown
Laura Blanton shares the stories behind the collections in this look at objects from the Academy Award-winning film, “Glory,” Continue reading Revisiting past “Glory”
Investigators from Rock County, Wisconsin, are one step closer to solving the mystery surrounding the death of an unknown teenager thanks to Smithsonian scientists. Continue reading Listening to the bones: Smithsonian scientists help narrow search in decades-old mystery
U.S. Customs agents recently seized 35 pounds of live African giant snails being shipped to California. With few predators (other than humans) the slow-moving snails are fast becoming one of the world’s most destructive invasive species. Ellen Strong of the Natural History Museum tells you everything you need to know. Plus recipes! Continue reading These slimy invaders need to escargot back where they came from
Watch Albert Tong’s stirring portrait of the 2014 Smithsonian Folklife Festival–One Village: China and Kenya. Continue reading One Village: China and Kenya
Heading out on a road trip this summer? Our digital archivist has some tips on making the memories last. Quick tip: Edit down those photos! Continue reading Making the most of vacation memories
Confusion caused by bright city lights and collisions with skyscrapers, planes and power lines kill millions of birds each year. Continue reading Surviving the urban landscape is a high-wire balancing act for birds
Some of the traits that make us human evolved even earlier than once thought. Continue reading Revising the timeline of human origins
The 2014 Folklife Festival aims to be the most eco-friendly and sustainable event ever held on the National Mall. Continue reading It’s not easy being green–but it’s getting easier
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
