Description: The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) has undergone many name changes over the years. One of these – the National Collection of Fine Arts (NCFA) – was in use from 1937 to 1980. During this time, the NCFA underwent several exciting changes. After years of being housed in multiple locations and several failed attempts to build a permanent building, the collection moved to
Description: In 2019, the Smithsonian faced the repercussions of the nation’s longest-ever government shutdown, but the institution is no stranger to the dreaded furlough.
Description: [edan-image:id=siris_arc_391596,size=250,left]Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden, a geologist and original Megatheria, was an eccentric club member, according to Robert Kennicott. Hayden’s early life began in Westfield, Massachusetts on September 7, 1828. Hayden’s parents, Asa Hayden and Melinda Hawley, were a somewhat troubled pair. His father, an alcoholic, passed away when Hayden
Description: In December 1978, Gloria Steinem met with the Smithsonian Institution Women’s Council (SIWC) to advise the group on carrying out the work of change at the Smithsonian and to broaden members’ understanding of the women’s movement. As described by attendees, the conversation was “dynamite…great…wonderful.” One member expressed her surprise at finding Steinem so agreeable;