On this date in 1865, the 13th amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery was ratified by the states. The complex legacy of slavery will always be part of our history; many of our most treasured institutions were built, quite literally, by enslaved people. Was the iconic Smithsonian Castle built with slave labor? Continue reading Slavery and the Smithsonian
In celebration of the end of Prohibition on this day in 1933, we’re raising a glass and making a toast to the triumph of vigorous viticulture. Continue reading Just say No (way): How Prohibition changed the American wine industry
Marilyn Scallan sits down with Eric Jentsch, project director and curator of “Superheroes” to find out why these masked men (and women) have taken hold of the public imagination. Continue reading Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane…it’s a curator!
In other news: Bei Bei is still gone. We may be over it by next week. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was Nov. 17 – Nov. 23, 2019
It’s cold enough for ice-skating, so here’s a conversation with Olympic medal-winner Adam Rippon who shares stories of wardrobe malfunctions, the cost of fame and the male private part we didn’t realize was private. Continue reading Sidedoor: Adam Rippon’s Olympic Mesh-capades
Beth Py-Lieberman of Smithsonian.com gathers recommendations as diverse as the Smithsonian itself. Continue reading Smithsonian Scholars Pick Their Favorite Books of 2019
Did you know they served the astronauts on Skylab turkey and gravy in a tin can? We bet it was just as delicious as it sounds. Senior writer John Barrat takes us on a tour through the Smithsonian collections and discovers 25 turkey-related objects. Continue reading Let’s talk turkey.
This juried exhibition, the Smithsonian Community Committee’s seventh staff art show, highlights the often unexpected talents within the Smithsonian community. Continue reading 2019 Artists at Work
We really don’t know a lot about the relationship between insects and plants millions of years ago, but a new fossil discovery shows that some species discovered an effective method of ensuring their survival that persists to this day. Continue reading If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
You don’t need us to tell you what the big news was this week: Bye bye, Bei Bei! Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week of Nov. 10 – Nov. 16, 2019
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
