The Smithsonian's First Century

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Smithsonian Secretaries Information

Close Browse records and papers of the Smithsonian Secretaries, from 1846 until today. Pre-set filters help narrow searches by individuals who have held that office.

Expeditions Information

Close Browse records and papers documenting scientific and collecting expeditions either affiliated with the Smithsonian, or with which Smithsonian researchers participated. Pre-set filters help narrow searches by geographic regions predominantly represented in expedition records.

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Summary

Discusses Smithsonian Institution early history, beginning with Smithson bequest. Provides list of some of the better known Regents. Discusses Andrew Mellon's bequest and gives a good synopsis of the National Gallery of Art and the Charles Lang Freer collections, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and its field stations, and the history of the National Zoological Park. Gives detailed discussion of Bureau of American Ethnology's history and collections, including mention of John Wesley Powell and his Colorado River Survey. Briefly mentions Smithsonian-related expeditions and explorations and the SI's work during World War II.

Subject

  • Smithson, James 1765-1829
  • Mellon, Andrew W (Andrew William) 1855-1937
  • Freer, Charles Lang 1854-1919
  • Powell, John Wesley 1834-1902
  • National Gallery of Art of the Smithsonian
  • Board of Regents
  • Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American Ethnology
  • Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
  • National Zoological Park (U.S.)
  • Colorado River Survey

Category

Smithsonian Institution History Bibliography

Contained within

Sunday Washington Star (Newspaper)

Contact information

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

Date

August 11, 1946

Topic

  • Scientific expeditions
  • Field Stations
  • Wartime Activities
  • Gifts
  • World War, 1939-1945

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