In addition to physical damage and deterioration of storage media, the technological complexity and dependency of electronic records make them uniquely vulnerable to loss, corruption, and alteration (both accidental and malicious). To achieve long-term preservation of fragile born-digital materials, digital archivists need a plan.

Have a little fun with images from our collections that have been designated as open access. Anyone can now download, transform, share, and reuse millions of images as part of Smithsonian Open Access.

We’re taking a closer look at staff member Henry Horan (1838-1896), who held several positions at the Smithsonian, including janitor, watchman, and superintendent of buildings, during his long career at the Institution.

Each week, the Archives features a woman who has been a groundbreaker at the Smithsonian, past or present, in a series titled Wonderful Women Wednesday.

As Smithsonian museums reopen this summer, let’s revisit two main attractions at the National Museum of Natural History.

Have a little fun with images from our collections that have been designated as open access. Anyone can now download, transform, share, and reuse millions of images as part of Smithsonian Open Access.

Link Love: a biweekly post with links to interesting videos and stories about archival issues, technology and culture, and Washington D.C. and American history.

We’re taking a look at the various watercolors the Smithsonian Institution has collected both past and present, highlighting the diversity in artists, technique, unique painting effect, and versatility to create anything from insects to cityscapes.

Each week, the Archives features a woman who has been a groundbreaker at the Smithsonian, past or present, in a series titled Wonderful Women Wednesday.

How did the Smithsonian commemorate its 100th anniversary? As we prepare to celebrate the Smithsonian’s 175th anniversary this August, let’s look back at the Institution’s centennial.