Postcard of the Smithsonian Institution Castle

Summary

Postcard of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle, and statue of first Smithsonian Secretary Joseph Henry. There are several people in front of the Castle. The message side is blank, but there is a printed note about the Smithsonian: "The Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846 by the generosity of James Smithson, 'for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.' Its purpose is to stimulate, encourage and reward scientific investigation and study." The front has a white border.

Subject

• Smithsonian Institution
• Smithsonian Institution Building (Washington, D.C.)

Category

Historic Images of the Smithsonian

Notes

• The Smithsonian Institution Castle was designed by architect James Renwick, Jr. Construction was completed in 1855. The statue out front is of Joseph Henry, first Secretary of the Smithsonian (term 1846-1878).
• The postcard is numbered M536: 8388 on the front. These numbers most likely indicate when the card was produced.
• This postcard is located in Accession #11-271, which is part of Record Unit 95.
• For other versions of this postcard, see Negative Numbers SIA2013-06639 and SIA2013-06640; Negative Numbers SIA2013-07210 and SIA2013-07211.

Contained within

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 84, Folder: 25

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

c. 1930-1944

Restrictions & Rights

No restrictions

Topic

• Postcard
• Museum buildings
• Architecture--Washington (D.C.)
• Architecture
• Museums
• Henry Statue
• Buildings

Place

Washington (D.C.)

Form/Genre

• Postcard
• Linen

ID Number

SIA2011-2293 (front) and SIA2011-2294 (back)

Physical description

Number of Images: 2; Color: Color; Size: 5.5w x 3.5h; Type of Image: Postcard; Medium: Linen

Full Record

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