Solomon G. Brown Hired as First African American Worker at the Smithsonian, 1852
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Date: 1852
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In 1852, Solomon G. Brown was hired as the Smithsonian Institution's first African American employee. Brown worked for 54 years at the Smithsonian, fulfilling many duties under secretaries Joseph Henry, Spencer Fullerton Baird, and Samuel P Langley. Brown formed a very close bond with Baird, becoming his "eyes and ears" when Baird was out of town. He was also a naturalist, poet, illustrator, and lecturer. Although he had no formal education, Brown was known by many as Professor Brown.
Chronology of Smithsonian History
"Solomon Brown: First African American Employee at the Smithsonian Institution." Smithsonian Institution Archives. http://siarchives.si.edu/history/exhibits/stories/solomon-brown-first-african-american-employee-smithsonian-institution.
Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu
1852