Description: With expertise in the Pacific world, the US military turned to the Smithsonian during World War II because of its unique areas of knowledge in science, culture, and history. Soldiers stationed abroad in turn helped increase the Smithsonian’s understanding of the region. And back at home in the Nation’s Capital, the Smithsonian prepared to keep its collections safe
Description: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="421" caption="Smithsonian's pilot aluminum-can recycling program started early in February 1990. Forty-four containers like the one pictured were placed at the National Museum of American History (NMAH), National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), National Air and Space Museum, and the Museum Support Center, 1989, by Jeff Tinsley,
Description: [caption id="" align="alignright" width="215" caption="Montgomery Ward Department Store “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” Book, 1939, Photo courtesy of Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History."][/caption] Where exactly did Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer come from? The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History reports. Okay, so we’ve had strange items come into
Description: An important part of the museum story that we often forget: how the objects got there in the first place. Donors’ stories often reveal the fascinating and complicated path that object take before they come into the Smithsonian’s collections. Here’s a great read on a family who collected celluloid (plastic) souvenirs, jewelry, products, and knick-knacks, that now reside at the
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.