Description: Even before the United States entered World War I on April 6, 1917, the conflict in Europe was front and center in the minds of many Americans who wanted to do their part. The employees of the Smithsonian were no exception. Through their own Red Cross auxiliary, applying their expertise to the war effort, and making changes in their private lives, Smithsonian employees took
Description: A biography of Joseph Henry (1797–1878), noted U.S. scientist and first Secretary, or chief executive officer, of the new Smithsonian Institution in 1846.