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 EXHIBITIONS:

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

Established in 1649, and from its earliest days as a colonial capital city, Annapolis was known as the “Athens of America." Today it is a place to spend the day (or the weekend) walking historic streets full of shops, cultural landmarks, and amazing views of the water. Located just a short drive from the District, the capital of Maryland is a great town to explore while you are in the area. Take in a dose of culture and try some of the best seafood the east coast has to offer.

Mango + Main

88 Maryland Avenue

Mango + Main is a global boutique that connects patrons with talented artisans across the globe and in over 25 countries. This is the place to go to if you’re looking for authentic, handmade products. Shop one of a kind bags, apparel, jewelry, accessories, and the perfect gift for anyone on your list.

United States Naval Academy

52 King George Street

The Naval Academy has been training officers for the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps since 1845. Attend the Midshipmen's Noon Formation, visit the Naval Academy Museum, the crypt of naval hero John Paul Jones, and more. Please note, anyone 18 years and older needs to bring two forms of id in order to enter the campus.

Reynolds Tavern and 1747 Pub

7 Church Circle

Come for Afternoon Tea, Lunch, or Dinner, and stay the night in one of three well-appointed rooms. Dating back to1747, it's a great place to enjoy happy hour or a bite to eat while getting a glimpse into history, as it was once the “hat shop” and kitchen of William Reynolds. Beer garden with live music in the spring months.

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O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern

113 Main Street

Opening in 1774 as the Rose & Crown, this tavern was once a local gathering spot for both Royalists and Revolutionaries. Enjoy steak, seafood, and live local entertainment all year long. Fun Fact: O’Brien’s has partnered with the Oyster Recovery Partnership to help repopulate the oyster environment in the Chesapeake Bay!

Historic London Town and Gardens

839 Londontown Road

This 23 acre park features history, archeology, and horticulture on the South River. Take in views and learn about working class colonial history and heritage through its historic 1760 tavern-turned-almshouse, reconstructed colonial buildings, and a large interactive exhibit featuring artifacts unearthed onsite.

Thanksgiving Farm Winery

195 Harwood Road

With a place on the National Register of Historic Places and located just minutes away from Downtown Annapolis, you can spend the day at this family-owned business, where all Thanksgiving Wine brands are made exclusively from grapes grown in the vineyard.

The Annapolis Collection Gallery

55 West Street

The Annapolis Collection Gallery is devoted to six Annapolis masters. Each artist has achieved international recognition for their artistic talents. Several works by all six artists are continuously on view. Special gallery events are held throughout the year to focus on new works by each of the six individual artists.

Cantler's Riverside Inn

458 Forest Beach Road

Located just minutes from Annapolis waterside dock, Cantler’s waterfront restaurant and crab house has been serving the area’s freshest seafood for nearly four decades. From the freshest fish, lobster, scallops, oysters to their can’t-miss Maryland Blue Crabs, this is a true local icon.

American History Museum

View the popular First Ladies exhibit which showcases 24 gowns, including Michelle Obama’s, Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, and the Star-Spangled Banner.