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September 16, 1965
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of James Smithson, the founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution, Secretary S. Dillon Ripley organizes a three day symposium with scholars from around the world. The event includes an academic procession, addresses by Chief Justice Earl Warren and Thomas Boylston Adams, concerts and a parade by the U.S. Marine Corps, a banquet, presentation of the Hodgkins Medal and Smithson Medal, and lectures by distinguished scholars.
