Secretaries of the Smithsonian

Samuel Pierpont Langley, an astrophysicist, served as the third Secretary from 1887 to 1906. He founded the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, attempted (unsuccessfully) to create the first flying machine, developed the Institution’s art collections, created the Children’s Room exhibition, and accepted Charles Lang Freer’s gift of his Asian and American art collection.More

Charles Greeley Abbot, an astrophysicist, served as the fifth Secretary from 1928 to 1944. He previously served as Assistant Secretary and Astrophysical Observatory director from 1895 to 1928. As Secretary, he saw the Institution through the Great Depression and World War II and was the first Secretary to retire, rather than die, in office.More

Leonard Carmichael, an experimental psychologist, served as the seventh Secretary from 1953 to 1964. Previously president of Tufts University, Carmichael was the first "outsider" Secretary. He arranged for research collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Harvard University, and the Observatory’s subsequent move to Cambridge Massachusetts; and secured funding for the National Museum of American History, and authorization for the National Portrait Gallery.More

Robert McCormick Adams, an archaeologist, served as the ninth Secretary from 1984 to 1994. Previously a professor at the University of Chicago and director of the Oriental Institute, he oversaw the establishment of the National Museum of the American Indian and National Postal Museum, and emphasized diversity programs at the Institution.More

Lawrence M. Small, a businessman, served as the eleventh Secretary from 2000 to 2007. He was previously president of Fannie Mae, and as Secretary oversaw the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, as well as the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.More