Description: Smithson's Gift EnduresWhat would James Smithson think if he saw today's Smithsonian Institution—the world's largest museum and research complex?The activities of the Smithsonian Institution 150 years after its founding embody "the increase and diffusion of knowledge" in virtually all the modern interpretations of those words. Millions of sightseers each year enjoy Smithsonian
Description: [view in Spanish]As a young artist living in Washington, William H. Holmes began sketching specimens for scientists at the U.S. National Museum. Based on that experience, he was invited to join the U.S. GeologicalSurvey of the Territories under the command of Ferdinand Vandiveer Hayden in 1872.During his early years in the western territories, Holmes refined his skills as an