Exhibits on Smithsonian History

Visit on-line versions of exhibits produced by the Institutional History and Technical Services Divisions.

An online presentation of panoramic and other images captured by the Fourth Secretary of the Smithsonian, Charles D. Walcott during his expeditions to the Canadian Rocky Mountains in the early 1900's. His discovery of fauna fossils in the Stephen Formation (which Walcott later called Burgess Shale) proved to be the largest site of Cambrian-era fossils in North America.

A historic look at the Smithsonian Institution through the picture postcard.

A look at interesting documents from the Smithsonian Archives collection including Mary Henry's eyewitness account of the Civil War in the City of Washington, William H. Dall's observations of Alaska in the 1860s, and letters from Solomon G. Brown, the first African American employee at the Smithsonian Institution.

Take a look at the Smithsonian Institution at the turn of the 20th century.

A look back at interesting events at the Smithsonian on this day in years past.

This exhibit celebrates the Smithsonian's pioneering contribution to the study and preservation of the natural history and cultures of the Americas, and offers a window on the complex and rich relations among scientists of the hemisphere. Nearly one hundred artifacts, photographs, original documents and rare books are presented on this bilingual site.

Take a tour of the Arts and Industries Building from the time it opened in 1881 until today.

Browse through this comprehensive look at the Smithsonian museums and research centers and learn about its history through pictures.

Follow the development of the Smithsonian from James Smithson's curious will, to debates over the Institution's founding, the building of the National Museum and the Institution's 150th anniversary.

A brief introduction to some of the multi-talented artists who have worked at the Smithsonian Institution since its founding in 1846.

Learn about the Second Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and his vision and determination to create the United States National Museum.

Visit the Smithsonian in 1886, see the giant squid in the Castle, see dinosaurs and George Washington's uniform on display in the new museum building (now the Arts and Industries Building), and get to know the staff in the late nineteenth century.

Learn about Englishman James Smithson and his bequest to the people of the United States. See images of the Smithsonian over the past 150 years and watch volunteers at work.

Learn about some of the major events that have shaped the Institution in the last 150 years.

Browse through some memorable images of the Smithsonian from the last 150 years.