Description: It is with sadness that I report that Mitch Toda is stepping down as the blog coordinator. Since 2011, Mitch Toda has been the man behind-the-scenes making sure everything runs smoothly. As a staff archivist, he works daily with the records he takes in from Smithsonian museums and offices such as the new National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Office of
Description: Priscilla L. Strain has worked for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Center for Earth and Planetary Studies since 1974 as a Research Assistant, 1974-79, Geologist, 1979-87, and Program Manager, 1987–present. She is currently the curator of the museum’s lunar rock collection and manages the center’s exhibits and programs. #Groundbreaker
Description: The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Library of Congress were able to pool funds to purchase a rare photo of a young Harriet Tubman. [via Washington Post]The Audobon profiles Smithsonian scientist, Roxie Laybourne, who started the field of forensic ornithology which identified birds involved in plane strikes and led to improved
Description: Smithson's Gift EnduresWhat would James Smithson think if he saw today's Smithsonian Institution—the world's largest museum and research complex?The activities of the Smithsonian Institution 150 years after its founding embody "the increase and diffusion of knowledge" in virtually all the modern interpretations of those words. Millions of sightseers each year enjoy Smithsonian
Description: Lonnie G. Bunch III (b. 1952) became the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution on June 15, 2019.Bunch is the first African American and first historian to be appointed to the role. Best known as founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture from 2005 to 2019, Bunch has had a long career with the Smithsonian. He was raised in New
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.