Description: Welcome to the Smithsonian Institution Archives’ new home on the web! Since joining the Archives, I’ve been impressed by the staff’s enthusiasm for the collections are custodians of, and their level of commitment to making the collections available and useful to researchers and enthusiasts.
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: We are pleased to announce a new mobile experience produced by the Archives, Castle of Curiosities. The Smithsonian's first building, the Castle, opened its doors in 1855. While the Norman architectural style evoked "learned university," it was bordered by fetid canals and rather isolated from the rest of Washington D.C. Check out an app about iconic stories in the history of
Description: We are excited to start the New Year with our first Call for Entries for the click! photography changes everything, an online exhibit that explores how photography influences every aspect of our daily lives. This month’s focus: History in the Making – the perfect opportunity to share your thoughts on the recent U.S. presidential elections and upcoming inauguration. Has
Description: The Edward Hopper House announced it will receive over 1,000 artifacts related to Edward Hopper, including this drawing he did on his report card at age 9. [via Open Culture]Conservators will love this one - "The History of Ink," from 19th century ink manufacturer, Thaddeus Davids and Co. [via Public Domain Review]Smart Girls profiled one of the Smithsonian's #groundbreakers,
Description: In celebration of Women’s History Month, we invite you to submit your photo and story about how photography both shapes and reflects women’s lives and accomplishments. Starting on March 8th, International Women's Day, we will also be featuring photographs of women scientists on the Smithsonian Flickr Commons photostream. We hope that these photos of women scientists and our
Description: Marines are investigating a possible case of mistaken identity in the iconic WWII Iwo Jima photo. [via NPR]The little known history behind Cinco de Mayo. [via Smithsonian Magazine]A short film on the Smithsonian's incredible whale skeleton collection. [via Hakai Magazine]The Prelinger Archives has published 6600 public domain films to the Internet Archive! [via Open Culture]A
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: When museum visitors match the artwork. [via artFido]The Smithsonian's Secretary, David Skorton, is convening thought-leaders to discuss critical issues Americans are facing, starting with immigration. The International Federation of Television Archives' Innovation award went to Radio.Garden, a website that allows you to browse radio stream geographically. [via Sound and