Lonnie Bunch III was named the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian this week. Here are some of the more significant stories about the announcement. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was May 26 – June 1, 2019
This week we learned of smart trees that are trying to save the planet and tiny fish that sacrifice themselves to save coral reefs. A House panel voted to bump the EPA’s budget so maybe we humans can get on board, too. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was May 19 – May 25, 2019
Bunch is the first person of color to hold the position since the Institution’s 1846 founding. Continue reading Lonnie Bunch III is 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian
The Zoo has opened a new exhibit that tells the story of the real Smokey Bear. But do they have Hopalong Cassidy narrating the story? We do! Continue reading Listen, my children, and you will hear — the true story of Smokey the Bear
Adams, currently deputy director of the Minnesota Historical Society, will assume her new responsibilities August 5. Continue reading Melanie Adams will head the Anacostia Community Museum
The moon is shrinking, the planet is trashed and we’re already talking about strip-mining in outer space. This was a week to chill out with free curry and fancy dresses. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was May 12 – May 18, 2019
Tomorrow is World Turtle Day and a good time to remind ourselves that these engaging reptiles are in danger of disappearing. Continue reading Slow and steady: Will the wood turtle win the race against habitat loss?
Self-portraits can reveal narcissism, neediness, creativity and blunt self-awareness. Sometimes, an artist simply uses the nearest available model. Brendan Smith explores the truth we tell and the deception we practice when we curate ourselves. Continue reading Eye to I: Self-Portraits from 1900 to today
A new book from former Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough describes his journey into the collections in search of connections to his heritage. Continue reading A giant sloth mystery brought me home to Georgia
You’ve got nothing on the Greater Sage Grouse, the only bird species known to thrive on poisonous sagebrush leaves. A new study shows that the real heroes are microorganisms. Continue reading Stop grousing about your toxic relationship with food
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
