Description: Behind the archivists, technicians, and specialists of the museum field are an abundance of organizations that network ideas, connect professionals, and present new strategies to broaden the impact of museums (American Alliance of Museums, Society of American Archivists, etc.). Many associations focus on specific aspects of this dynamic field and help to push museum practice
Description: Each week, the Archives features a woman who has been a groundbreaker at the Smithsonian, past or present, in a series titled Wonderful Women Wednesday.
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: Happy Fourth of July! On Independence Day, flags are flown across the nation. The Smithsonian has many versions of the American flag in its collections, the best known being the Star Spangled Banner. But, do you know its history, and how it came to the Smithsonian? The Star Spangled Banner is a huge 15-star, 15-stripe garrison flag, 30 feet by 42 feet, made in 1813 by Mary
Description: Margaret Brown Klapthor, National Museum of American History, was an expert on White House history, curated the Smithsonian’s First Ladies collection, and wrote several books on First Ladies history. #Groundbreaker
Description: As the Lichtenstein Foundation closes, half a million documents are coming to the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art! [via NY Times]Bitcoin is entering the art market. [via Mutual Art]Hyperspectral scanning reveals Picasso's process during his "blue period." [via The Star]What could possibly connect Abraham Lincoln to vampires? The Smithsonian's National Museum of American