This week we saw how both music and protest have the power to shape society. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was June 23 – June 29, 2019
Once upon a time, there was a video game so horrible, so loathed, so incredibly bad, that every surviving copy was seized and buried in the desert (probably near Area 51.) Was it an alien attempt to sabotage the gaming industry? Continue reading Sidedoor: The Worst Video Game Ever?
A pounding drum, a wailing dirge, a lilting lullaby, a soulful love song–music conveys an infinite range of meaning and human emotion. See (and hear) how music can be a cultural touchstone at this weekend’s Folklife Festival. (Bring your water bottle! It’s going to be hot!) Continue reading The Social Power of Music
There was a time, not so long ago, when the police could break down your bedroom door and arrest you for what they thought you might be doing behind it. Continue reading A historic moment for LGBTQ civil rights
On June 25, 1868, Native Americans won a great battle. And lost their longest war. Continue reading It does not take many words to tell the truth
It’s always easy to find examples of human weakness—from the Opium Wars to the Oxycontin crisis—but it’s even more important to celebrate our moments of transcendence. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was June 16 – June 22, 2019
Dr. Wayne Clough, 12th Secretary of the Smithsonian visited the Castle June 19 for the unveiling of his official portrait. Torch spoke to artist Ronald Sherr about the challenges of capturing a likeness that lives. Continue reading A striking likeness
Like the Thelma and Louise of their day, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke (along with their cat) embarked on an epic road trip for the cause of women’s rights–but their story had a happier ending. Continue reading Two women, a cat, a car and a mission
Stay up late with the Smithsonian as we celebrate the first Saturday of summer—“Solstice Saturday”—with free parties, programs and performances June 22. (Clothes required for all programs.) Continue reading Celebrate Summer with “Solstice Saturday”
The founder of the Smithsonian may have died childless, but his descendants are nonetheless still going strong. Continue reading Mr. Smithson’s family goes to Washington
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
