Governance & Organization

 
 

The Smithsonian was established in 1846 as a public trust by an act of Congress that also created a Board of Regents charged with establishing an institution “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” Find out more about how the Smithsonian is organized and governed in the pages below.

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.