Description: Roxie Collie Laybourne pioneered the field of forensic ornithology through her study of bird feathers, which has meant improved aviation safety.
Description: First hand account of Mary Henry, daughter of Joseph Henry, about what Washington DC was like during the holidays in the time of the Civil War.
Description: The Smithsonian Institution’s first building, the Castle, was designed by architect James Renwick. Until 1881, it housed all aspects of Smithsonian operations, including research, administration, lecture and exhibit halls, library, laboratories, collections storage, and living quarters for the Secretary. Today, the Castle houses administrative offices and the Smithsonian
Description: Meredith Smith Diggs was employed at the Smithsonian in different capacities and was closely associated with the second Secretary of the Smithsonian, Spencer Fullerton Baird. Through Diggs' correspondence we can get a small glimpse of his life and work at the Smithsonian.