Description: [edan-image:id=siris_sic_5844,size=300,left]Henry Bryant was a member of the Megatherium Club and one of the naturalists who helped build the Smithsonian’s collection during the 1850s and 1860s. Born on May 12, 1820 in Boston, Massachusetts, Bryant gained an early education at Mr. Thayer’s school before proceeding to college at Mr. Welles’ school in Cambridge. His education
Description: "It is five o’clock, when the Megatherium takes its prey, that the most interesting characters of the animal are seen. Then it roars with delight and makes up for the hard work of the day by much fun and conduction." Folks at Home, February 17, 1863, Robert Kennicott[edan-image:id=siris_sic_5844,size=250,left]Not only is this beast intriguing as a specimen, but it is the
Description: [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="251" caption="Joseph Henry, first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution (1846-1878), and his wife, Harriet Henry, and their daughters Caroline, Helen and Mary with croquet mallets on the grounds of the Smithsonian Institution Building, c.
Description: [edan-image:id=siris_sic_5844,size=250,left]A staff-favorite story in the Smithsonian’s history is that of the Megatherium Club — a revolving group of young naturalists who made the Castle their temporary home in between expeditions to the outer reaches of the United States. Who could not be intrigued by this photo of the Club where they look to be sharing a joke, or a plan?
Description: [edan-image:id=siris_arc_391590,size=250,left]Edward Drinker Cope, a paleontologist and a “very hard worker with a very good head” offered a great deal of findings to the Smithsonian and the world of science. Fellow Megatherium Club member Robert Kennicott notes in his letter “Folks at Home” that Cope is, “…bound to be one of the first naturalists of the age,” stating that
Description: During the time of the Megatherium Club, there were rumors among neighbors and friends that some of the members had special relationships with women visiting the Castle. Some indication of this occurring comes from Pamela M. Learn about some love interests of the Megatherium Club's members!
Description: [edan-image:id=siris_sic_9667,size=250,left]Robert Kennicott, born on November 13, 1835, was an original member and co-creator of the Megatherium Club and made quite a wave during his lifetime. He was considered a great naturalist, collecting specimens from his expeditions as well as local areas. Kennicott began his life in New Orleans on November 13, 1835, but his family