In 1847, the Smithsonian Board of Regents contracted with James Dixon and Gilbert Cameron to begin construction of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle.

Elaine R.S. Hodges, scientific illustrator at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 1965–1996, made drawings of insects and other organisms that were frequently used by Smithsonian scientists. She was a founder of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and edited the Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration (1989). #Groundbreaker

In 1974, women joined the Smithsonian security force and they have been rising through the ranks ever since.

Dr. Autumn-Lynn Harrison, Research Scientist at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center since 2014, works with large marine vertebrates, including pinnipeds and seabirds. She is the Program Manager of the Migratory Connectivity Project, which aims to use technologies to track bird species throughout their annual cycle. #Groundbreaker

In November of 1996, the electric guitar, its history and its makers, were the focus of attention at the National Museum of American History.

Impacting the National Air and Space Museum with her caring attitude and dedication to her work in the Building Management Department, Annie Sullivan is an individual to be remembered.

Claudine K. Brown began her long career with Smithsonian as the Director of the African American History Project, 1990–1995, developing a program plan for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Brown also served as Smithsonian’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Arts and Humanities, 1991-1995. She returned to the Smithsonian in 2010 as Assistant Secretary for Education and Access, a position she held until her death in 2016. #Groundbreaker

Carmen Turner, Under Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1990–1992, was the Smithsonian’s chief operating officer. She led a comprehensive reorganizational study of the Smithsonian, and prioritized equal employment opportunities, welcoming more diverse audiences, and creating spaces for teenagers. #Groundbreaker

Shireen L. Dodson worked as Comptroller for the Smithsonian Institution (1986–1992), Associate Director for Administration and Planning at the National African-American Museum Project (1992–1995), and Associate Director for Administration at the Anacostia Museum and Center for African American History and Culture (1995–2000). #Groundbreaker

As part of the Smithsonian Year of Music 2019, the Smithsonian Castle Collection curator chronicles music in the Castle during its early years.