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.
The website is undergoing updates the weekend of September 12, 2025 beginning at 5 PM Eastern. Some services may be affected while this is underway.
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Capturing, preserving, and sharing the history of the Smithsonian Institution
Explore the history of the Smithsonian Institution:
September 14, 1981
The Hirshhorn Museum officially reopens its Sculpture Garden after renovation to provide access for disabled visitors. The redesign is accomplished by Lester Collins, a Washington-based landscape architect, and includes graded ramps along the north border of the garden to give disabled visitors access to the major viewing level. A third ramp is built to provide access to the lower level, and pathways are resurfaced in brick to make it wheelchair accessible.
