Every Collection has a Story. The Archives holds records that document the Smithsonian’s people, events, buildings, and research. The history of the Smithsonian is a vital part of the history of American experience, scientific exploration, and international cultural understanding.
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The Smithsonian Institution Archives Reading Room is open to the public by appointment Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Please contact OSIAREF@si.edu to schedule an appointment.
Appointment times are currently filling up 2-3 weeks in advance. For more information about Smithsonian Libraries and Archives locations, see Library Locations and Smithsonian Institution Archives Reference. To requests an appointment at another location, use Contact Us.
Appointment times are currently filling up 2-3 weeks in advance. For more information about Smithsonian Libraries and Archives locations, see Library Locations and Smithsonian Institution Archives Reference. To requests an appointment at another location, use Contact Us.
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Capturing, preserving, and sharing the history of the Smithsonian Institution
Explore the history of the Smithsonian Institution:
July 15, 1896
The Section of Photographic History, Division of Graphic Arts, United States National Museum, is established with Thomas William Smillie as custodian. Smillie also served as the Institution's photographer from 1870 until his death in 1917, documenting important events and scientific expeditions, photographing the museum's installations and specimens, creating reproductions for use as illustrations, and performing chemical experiments for Smithsonian scientific researchers.
