Smithsonian's 175th Anniversary

NOW reported on a gigantic feat in our last summer issue, however due to Covid restrictions, locals and tourists alike were unable to celebrate this giant milestone. On August 10, 1846, the U.S. Senate passed the act organizing the Smithsonian Institution, Therefore August of 2021 marked its 175th anniversary!

THE HISTORY:

James Smithson (1765–1829), a British scientist, drew up his will in 1826 naming his nephew, Henry James Hungerford, as beneficiary. Smithson stipulated that, should the nephew die without heirs (as he did in 1835), the estate would go to the United States to found “at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.”

On July 1, 1836, Congress accepted the legacy bequeathed to the nation by James Smithson and pledged the faith of the United States to the charitable trust. In 1838, following approval of the bequest by the British courts, the United States received Smithson’s estate – bags of gold sovereigns, then the equivalent of $515,169 (almost $16 million today).

On Aug. 10, 1846, an Act of Congress signed by President James K. Polk established the Smithsonian Institution. Just think, if Henry had had a kid, none of this would have ever happened!

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum & 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.

Which museum came first?

The Smithsonian Institution Building, commonly known as the “Castle,” was designed by architect James Renwick (yes, of The Renwick Gallery!) and constructed between 1847 and 1855. The Castle houses the Smithsonian Visitor Center and offices, as well as the James Smithson crypt.

How big is the Smithsonian collection? The total number of objects, works of art, and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at nearly 155 million, of which nearly 146 million are scientific specimens at the National Museum of Natural History. Many artifacts are donated to the Smithsonian by individuals, private collectors and federal agencies; others come to the collections through field expeditions, bequests, exchanges with other museums, and purchases.

What’s next for the Smithsonian Institution?

Congress passed legislation in late December 2020 establishing two new museums at the Smithsonian: the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. Both are in early planning stages.

FEATURED EXHIBITION:

Futures

Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building 900 Jefferson Drive, SW

Spanning over 32,000 feet, FUTURES is the first building-wide exploration of the future on the National Mall, featuring interactives, artworks, technologies, and ideas that are glimpses into humanity’s next chapter. The exhibit spreads across four halls with themes: Futures Past, Futures That Inspire, Futures That Unite, and Futures That Work.

One exhibit shows historical innovations that have shaped our present (like Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone and the Bakelizer, which manufactured the world’s first synthetic plastic), while amother ponders: 'how will museums look in the year 2071?' Visitors can describe their visions of the future and the installation will translate the words into colors and patterns. (Source: si.edu) Open Through July 6th.

For more information on all Smithsonian museums, visit: si.edu

Panda-mania!

The National Zoo Celebrates 50 Years of Pandas

April 16, 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the arrival of giant pandas Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, the start of a decades-long giant panda program.

SELECT EVENTS:

What does it take to be a Panda Expert?

MARCH 21st Hear from the people behind the panda - the experts! Learn more about what it takes to care for them, and get in the inside scoop from womb to wild. The veterinarians take you through the journey panda cubs go through, from living in DC to going back to China and embracing the wild. Here is your chance to ask questions to the team that has brought these incredible animals back from the brink of extinction.

APR 21

Family Birthdays on the Panda Cam

Jump on the Zoo’s pandacams this season to celebrate our other first family. Momma Mei Xiang’s: July 22th, Baby Xiao Qi: August 21st, and Dad

Brew at the Zoo

MAY 22

MARCH 21st

An annual tradition at the Zoo! Wander throughout the zoo sampling beers from local vendors. Snacks and other food for purchase. This year’s decor will obviously center around a panda theme!

Tian Tian: August 27th. Put on your party hat and stream their birthdays live on the panda cams.

For more info, a full schedule of events, and access to the Panda Cams, visit: nationalzoo.si.edu