May
27
Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?
A Civil War military history researcher explains where Memorial Day celebrations came from. Continue reading Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?
May
22
Eye on Science: Autumn-Lynn Harrison is a Migratory Bird Diplomat
When you study animals who spend their lives flying to the ends of the earth (and back again) you make connections across countries, continents and oceans. Continue reading Eye on Science: Autumn-Lynn Harrison is a Migratory Bird Diplomat
May
22
A few of my favorite things: Adrienne Smith
Adrienne Smith’s favorite things show how music, myth, and legend contributed to her own personal culture. Continue reading A few of my favorite things: Adrienne Smith
May
21
Every object tells a story
We’re celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with a deeper dive into some of the stories behind the collections. Continue reading Every object tells a story
May
17
The Conversation: How the Gaza humanitarian aid pier traces its origins to discarded cigar boxes before World War II
A pre-World War II US Navy plan for a modular floating platform has developed into a key lifeline in Gaza and at disaster sites around the world. Continue reading The Conversation: How the Gaza humanitarian aid pier traces its origins to discarded cigar boxes before World War II
May
08
Eye on Science: What do a newspaper reporter, a surfer and a marine ecologist have in common?
They’re all the same person! Meet Chela Zabin, who works in California for the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Continue reading Eye on Science: What do a newspaper reporter, a surfer and a marine ecologist have in common?
Apr
24
Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim, and mammals gotta reproduce–all in the name of evolution
Dr. Missy Hawkins went to “ALL the college” to become the terrestrial mammal curator at the National Museum of Natural History. Continue reading Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim, and mammals gotta reproduce–all in the name of evolution
Apr
22
The Conversation: Why don’t female crickets chirp?
We have an even more pressing question: How do you tell the difference? Continue reading The Conversation: Why don’t female crickets chirp?
Apr
16
The Conversation: As climate change and pollution imperil coral reefs, scientists are deep-freezing corals to repopulate future oceans
Without coral reefs, the world would lose a valuable source of food, coastal protection, medicines and income – and some of the world’s most unique and beautiful ecosystems. Continue reading The Conversation: As climate change and pollution imperil coral reefs, scientists are deep-freezing corals to repopulate future oceans
Apr
16
The many faces of orchids
April 16 is National Orchid Day. In honor of these prized, beautiful, and increasingly threatened plants, Sophia Ancira takes us on a tour of the exhibition “The Future of Orchids” before it closes at the end of the month. Continue reading The many faces of orchids
