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S. Dillon Ripley Views Quadrangle

Smithsonian History

 
 

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and research complex, with nineteen museums with over 137 million objects, and nine research centers across the globe. Explore resources on the history of the Institution, beginning with James Smithson’s 1829 bequest to the people of the United States.

This Day in SI History Explore what happened at the Smithsonian on any day of the year since 1846.  
James Smithson, Founding Donor Learn about the enigmatic British scientist James Smithson (1765-1829) whose bequest led to the founding of the Smithsonian.  
Secretaries of the Smithsonian The Smithsonian Secretary is the chief executive officer of the Institution. Meet the fourteen individuals who have led the Institution since its founding in 1846.  
Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents The law that established the Smithsonian in 1846 created a Board of Regents to serve as trustees to ensure the proper use of James Smithson’s bequest. Learn about their role and meet some of our more famous regents.  
Museums Explore the history of the Smithsonian’s nineteen museums and the National Zoo, located in Washington, DC, Maryland, New York City, and Virginia, and covering the arts, culture, history, and science. The Guide to Smithsonian Architecture provides additional information on Smithsonian buildings.  
Smithsonian Research Centers The Smithsonian’s museums are well-known, but since its founding, the Smithsonian has also maintained research centers in the biological and physical sciences, across the United States and abroad. Discover Smithsonian research projects in areas including collection conservation, environmental sciences, astronomy, and marine biology.  
The Smithsonian in Popular Culture Whether its museums set the scene, objects come to life, or staff turn into colorful characters, the Smithsonian has made its mark in popular culture. Enter to learn more about how the Institution has been portrayed in books, television and movies throughout history.    
Featured Topics Visit online exhibits on the history of the Smithsonian, including the founding of the Institution, stories of important figures, historic pictures of our most important sites, a postcard history of the Smithsonian, expeditions to Latin America, and artists who have worked at the Smithsonian.