Description: In mid-19th century America, some believed that world-class discoveries came exclusively from Europe. But early Smithsonian leaders had a sense of urgency to disseminate an authoritative body of knowledge, pursue further discoveries, and provide a deeper understanding to the public at a time when American society was changing.
Description: As a teenager, Robert Ridgway was tapped by the Smithsonian’s Assistant Secretary to be an expedition zoologist. In 1881, when the US National Museum opened its doors, he was the curator of Birds. Download and reuse some of bird illustrations today through Smithsonian Open Access.
Description: …in which a member of the Archives staff turns her passion for sloths into a mission to research their history at the Smithsonian Institution.
Description: The Smithsonian Institution Archives will be celebrating African American History Month throughout February with a series of related posts on THE BIGGER PICTURE. “I have engaged in almost Every Branch of work that is usual and unusual about S.I.”[edan-image:id=siris_sic_5597,size=150,left] These words, written by Solomon G. Brown to Secretary Spencer F. Baird on August 12,
Description: The Smithsonian’s 2012 Archives Fair will feature a film festival this year where films fitting the theme “Hidden Treasures” will make their debut.
Description: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Smithsonian Secretary S. Dillon Ripley (1913-2001) riding a scooter at the 1974 Folklife Festival in the Mississippi delta section, with a cotton field behind him, by Unidentified photographer, Photographic print, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 613, Box 269, Folder: SDR Photos, Negative number:
Description: The Christmas Bird Count was begun in 1900 by the Audubon Society. Many Smithsonian staff have participated in it in the decades since then.
Description: A station for the Metro, Washington DC’s subway system, was eliminated from early plans but protest by the Smithsonian ensured it would be built.
Showing results 25 - 36 of 117 for Magnetic North: Arctic Studies at the Smithsonian (Blog)