Description: Although America declared its independence from Great Britain in 1776, Washington, DC, did not become the nation’s capital until July 1790. Today Washington is home to many historic national monuments and landmarks. The postcards in this gallery provide scenic views of a selection of these monuments and landmarks, including several of the Smithsonian’s museums.
Description: S. Dillon Ripley, the eighth Secretary of the Smithsonian, wanted the Smithsonian to have a contemporary art museum. He worked tirelessly to persuade Joseph H. Hirshhorn (1899-1981) to donate his collections to the Smithsonian. On November 7, 1966, the collections of Hirshhorn officially came under the auspices of the Smithsonian. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Description: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="414" caption="Three portraits on exhibit by Portuguese artist Henrique Medina in the lobby of the National Gallery of Art, now the National Museum of American Art, in the Natural History Building, April 13 - May 7, 1938, by Unidentified photographer, Photographic print, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 311 Box 36 Folder