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.  

Barro Colorado Island Opening Day

March 29, 1924

The Barro Colorado Island Biological Laboratory in Panama officially opens. More than thirty scientists from the United States work at the island laboratory during its first year of operation. The laboratory will later come under Smithsonian Institution aegis as the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

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