Description: Bloggers on The Bigger Picture often describe how, in the course of their work, they come across intriguing archival objects and artifacts that trigger new insights into history. “Hands on” encounters with compelling evidence from the past are thrilling and can be provocative. But so can different sorts of encounters, including those that are driven by data, rather than
Description: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="220" caption="Cover of Reader's Digest magazine featuring article on sexting, by Matt M, Creative Commons: Attribution 2.0."][/caption] Over the past few weeks, the web’s been abuzz with articles, blog posts, and comments about sexting, the practice of sending explicit photos (and sometimes texts and videos as well) over the Internet.
Description: While responding to a digitization request, I uncovered the story of how the Smithsonian International Exchange Service (1849-1992) helped rebuild the library collections of Chinese cultural heritage institutions during the Second World War.
Description: Research on shark attacks began at the National Museum of Natural History in 1958 when the Shark Research Panel was formed to track attacks and develop shark repellents.
Description: In honor of Women’s History Month, we’d like to revisit an important and inspiring exhibition circulated by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in 1961. “The Magnificient Enterprise: Education Opens the Door” was a photographic exhibition based on the 100 years of higher education for women. Sponsored by Vassar College in observance of its