Description: Some refer to the Smithsonian as "America's Attic." It probably earned this nickname because throughout its history, the Smithsonian has acquired artifacts, relics, paintings, personal collections, and even hair samples related to the Commander in Chief (yes, the National Museum of American History has a collection of presidential hairs!).With Presidents' Day coming up on
Description: Joseph Henry - First Smithsonian Secretary, 1846-1878"A new impulse will thus be given to investigation in every department of science; and learned men will know that through you they will be able to make their discoveries available to their brethren throughout the civilized world." —Letter from Francis Wayland to Secretary Joseph Henry, December 19, 1848 Perhaps the country's
Description: James Smithson: The Man Behind the InstitutionWhile the institution named after James Smithson enjoys worldwide renown, we know little about the man who left $508,318 to the people of the United States to found such an institution.An English scientist who conducted research in chemistry, mineralogy, and geology, Smithson lived and traveled in several European countries. His