[26] The Institution became a magnet for young scientists from 1857 to 1866, who formed a group called the Megatherium Club. It operates two landmark facilities that, together, welcome more than eight million visitors a year, making it the most visited museum in the country. More than 200 institutions and museums in 45 states,[note 1] Puerto Rico, and Panama are Smithsonian Affiliates.[8][9]. Smithsonian Institution | 118,658 followers on LinkedIn | Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. For more Smithsonian numbers visit the Smithsonian Metrics Dashboard. Its research and outreach activities serve all audiences, within and beyond its walls. According to the Smithsonian, the center "support[s] scholarly research, exhibitions, public and educational programs, web-based content and virtual platforms, and collections and archives. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists. This program encourages students to be proud of their roots and learn more about their cultural heritage to inspire them to educate the public in their own communities about how Latinos are enriching America's cultural fabric. See Paris through the lens of the African American experience on this new virtual tour! [95] The Smithsonian is now a participant in the U.S. The Smithsonian Institution (/smɪθˈsoʊniən/ smith-SOH-nee-ən), also known simply as The Smithsonian, is a trust instrumentality of the United States[2] composed as a group of museums and research centers. [16][17], Once the money was in hand, eight years of Congressional haggling ensued over how to interpret Smithson's rather vague mandate "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge". [53], Separately from the major capital campaign, the Smithsonian has begun fundraising through Kickstarter. [36] The Anacostia Community Museum, an "experimental store-front" museum created at the initiative of Smithsonian Secretary S. Dillon Ripley, opened in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C., in 1967. Our Community Portal is open to any venue who may be interested in hosting a SITES exhibition, but an account is required in order to access some content Play. [52] This included 192 gifts of at least $1 million. [56], The Smithsonian Institution announced in January 2015 that it is in talks to build its first permanent overseas exhibition space within London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. To protect cultural heritage threatened or impacted by disasters and to help U.S. and international communities preserve their identities and history. His job is a bit like a CEO’s, he explained. In September 2007, the board created the position of Chair of the Board of Regents, a position currently held by Steve Case.[89]. It encompasses 137 staff members and is supported by an advisory board of 15 leaders from around the United States. [52] A smaller amount of funds would go to educational initiatives and digitization of collections. In addition, staff experts conduct oral and video histories that further document important figures and events in the histo… The Smithsonian Institution Archives serves as the institutional memory of a unique cultural organization. Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Library (Republic of Panama) Tropical biology, ecology, conservation, pharmacognosy, ecotourism, etc. Mission The Smithsonian's mission is "the increase and diffusion of knowledge." The database will include 2D and 3D images from the Smithsonian… [4] Institution publications include Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines. [14] Congress officially accepted the legacy bequeathed to the nation and pledged the faith of the United States to the charitable trust on July 1, 1836. Richard, Paul. Was it worth it? Explore. The Smithsonian is a global organization actively involved in conserving biodiversity, priceless art, and much more. A brief history of the U.S. National Museum/National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Open Access – nearly 3 million Free images now available, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Belmont–Paul Women's Equality National Monument, Japanese American Patriotism During World War II, Signers of the Declaration of Independence, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Boundary markers of the original District of Columbia, Women in Military Service for America Memorial, National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial, National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission. [54] An example is a campaign to fund the preservation and maintenance of the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland for her role as Dorothy Gale in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.[55]. [73] As of May 2016, the center is run by an executive director, Eduardo Díaz. [4] It was originally organized as the "United States National Museum", but that name ceased to exist as an administrative entity in 1967. [27] The Smithsonian played a critical role as the U.S. partner institution in early bilateral scientific exchanges with the Academy of Sciences of Cuba. "[72] Today, the website features a high-tech virtual museum. Prayerboard with Liturgy Written in Spanish and Salinan, 1817 (Side B). Using the lens of California Mission history, ... Smithsonian Institution, MS 1082. Two were the establishment of a botanical garden, and a museum which was designed to have a national and permanent status. The Smithsonian Office of Protection Services provides a safe and secure environment for visitors, staff, and collections. Dedicated to fulfilling Smithsonian’s mission for “the increase and diffusion of knowledge,” the Libraries and Archives is committed to the 21st-century needs of researchers, curators, educators and learners of all ages. Its annual budget is around $1.2 billion, with two-thirds coming from annual federal appropriations. Congress. Smithsonian was the result of Secretary of the Smithsonian S. Dillon Ripley asking the retired editor of Life magazine Edward K. Thompson to produce a magazine "about things in which the Smithsonian Institution is interested, might be interested or ought to be interested". Collections of artifacts are given to these museums in the form of long-term loans. The Trust builds on the mission of Englishman James Smithson (c.1765-1829), a chemist and mineralogist and the founding donor of the Smithsonian who left the entirety of his estate to the United States to found "at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." After heated debate, Massachusetts representative (and former president) John Quincy Adams persuaded Congress to restore the lost funds with interest[18] and, despite designs on the money for other purposes, convinced his colleagues to preserve it for an institution of science and learning. [50], In 2011, the Smithsonian undertook its first-ever capital fundraising campaign. Other prominent members, who numbered from 30-70 during the Institute's existence, included John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, Judge William Cranch, and James Hoban. [77], Students selected for the program travel to Washington, D.C. for an "enrichment seminar" that lasts approximately five days. Our Mission: At the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, we save species. Commercial uses are generally restricted unless permission is obtained. The National Museum of American History is home to more than 1.8 million objects and more than three shelf-miles of archival collections. [15] The American diplomat Richard Rush was dispatched to England by President Andrew Jackson to collect the bequest. [72], The center is a division of the Smithsonian Institution. [31] The park was designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. ", "Lonnie Bunch III Set To Become Smithsonian Institution's 1st Black Secretary", "Smithsonian's Arctic Refuge Exhibit Draws Senate Scrutiny", "Scientists Fault Climate Exhibit Changes", "Integrating federal research and solutions for climate and global change", "Smithsonian Agreement Angers Filmmakers". [52] As of September 2017, the Smithsonian claimed to have raised $1.79 billion, with three months left in the formal campaign calendar. The Archives’ mission is to document the goals and activities of the whole Smithsonian in its pursuit of increasing and diffusing knowledge, and exciting learning in everyone. The Smithsonian Board of Regents said it asked regent John McCarter, Jr., to lead a search committee. The database will include 2D and 3D images from the Smithsonian… Historians in this group research the history of the Smithsonian for internal and external purposes. It has over 12 miles (19 km) of cabinets, and more than 31 million objects. The museum contained specimens of zoology, botany, archeology, fossils, etc., some of which were passed on to the Smithsonian Institution after its formation. [52] The Smithsonian said that funds raised would go toward completion of the National Museum of African American History and Culture building, and renovations of the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, and the Renwick Gallery. The Institute proposed a number of undertakings. Our collections represent our nation's rich heritage, art from across the globe, and the immense diversity of the natural and cultural world. The Institution was founded in 1846 with funds from the Englishman James Smithson (1765–1829) according to his wishes “under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” We continue to honor this mission and invite you to join us in our quest. [11] Other funding comes from the Institution's endowment, private and corporate contributions, membership dues, and earned retail, concession, and licensing revenue. The National Museum of Natural History houses 145 million of these specimens and artifacts, which are mostly animals preserved in Formaldehyde. This is approximately $500,000 at the time, which is equivalent to $12,005,000 in 2019 or equivalent to £9,520,034 in 2019. [56] These museums are known as Smithsonian Affiliated museums. Global Change Research Program. ", Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Smithsonian Provenance Research Initiative, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, debate over the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, List of aircraft in the Smithsonian Institution, "Smithsonian History > National Museum of American History", https://library.gwu.edu/sites/default/files/scrc/Columbian_Institute.pdf, "James Smithson – Founder of the Smithsonian, Last Will and Testament", "Founding of the Smithsonian Institution", "From the Pacific to the Patent Office: The US Exploring Expedition and the origins of America's first national museum", "Building a Lasting Cuba-U.S. Bridge through Science", "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination: Smithsonian Institution Building", "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination: Arts and Industries Building of the Smithsonian Institution", "Camille Akeju: New Director Seeks to Rejuvenate Anacostia Museum", "Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum", "The List: Six Things You Didn't Know About the Air and Space Museum on its 35th Anniversary", "Review: The Smithsonian African American Museum Is Here at Last. Our Mission: At the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, we save species. Smithsonian images fall into different copyright categories; some are protected by copyright, many are subject to license agreements or other contractual conditions, and some fall into the public domain, such as those prepared by Smithsonian employees as part of their official duties. Collections Stewardship at the Smithsonian: Hearing before the Committee on House Administration, House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, First Session. Officers were elected in October, 1816, and the organization was granted a charter by Congress on April 20, 1818 (this charter expired in 1838). Our mission is to promote understanding of the natural world and our place in it. Nagel, Paul (1999). [58], Smithsonian collections include 156 million artworks, artifacts, and specimens. [25], In 1846, the regents developed a plan for weather observation; in 1847, money was appropriated for meteorological research. [49] Twelve years later almost to the day, in 2016, the latest museum opened: the National Museum of African American History and Culture, in a new building near the Washington Monument. Institution exhibits are free of charge, though in 2010 the Deficit Commission recommended admission fees. Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution, ... Our mission is the legacy of Moses Asch, who founded Folkways Records in 1948 to document "people's music," spoken word, instruction, and sounds from around the world. On September 18, 2013, Secretary G. Wayne Clough announced he would retire in October 2014. The National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution. Other members of the Board of Regents are three members of the U.S. House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House; three members of the Senate, appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate; and nine citizen members, nominated by the board and approved by the Congress in a joint resolution signed by the president of the United States. [51] The $1.5 billion effort raised $1 billion at the three-year mark. The Smithsonian Institution Libraries hold 2 million library volumes. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an international exposition of living cultural heritage annually produced outdoors on the National Mall of the United States in Washington, D.C., by the Smithsonian Institution’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. On February 25, 2020, the Smithsonian launched Open Access, releasing 2.8 million 2D and 3D images and 173-years of staff-created data into the public domain as Creative Commons Zero. The Smithsonian Office of Protection Services is recognized in the cultural and natural heritage protection field as a leader in risk management. [71] The MSC covers 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) of land, with over 500,000 square feet (46,000 m2) of space, making it one of the largest set of structures in the Smithsonian. The website's quality was poor, and the center did not have a public affairs manager, a programs director, adequate human resources support, or cohesive mission statement. In 1995, controversy arose over the exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum with the display of the Enola Gay, the Superfortress used by the United States to drop the first atomic bomb used in World War II. [90] Regents who are senators or representatives serve for the duration of their elected terms, while citizen Regents serve a maximum of two six-year terms. The Smithsonian is home to 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoo. Nineteen museums and galleries, as well as the National Zoological Park, comprise the Smithsonian museums. Our Mission: Understanding the natural world and our place in it. Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission will commemorate the first lunar landing in 1969, and the pioneering flights that came before, in a new, state-of-the-art traveling exhibition. The Smithsonian Office of Protection Services oversees security at the Smithsonian facilities and enforces laws and regulations for National Capital Parks together with the United States Park Police. The James Smithson Bicentennial Medal, established in 1965, is given to persons who have made distinguished contributions to the advancement of areas of interest to the Smithsonian. Watch. [62] The museum displays treasures such as the Star-Spangled Banner, the stove pipe hat that was worn by President Abraham Lincoln, the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard Of Oz, and the original Teddy Bear that was named after President Theodore Roosevelt. Mission: "Commemorate, Educate, Inspire" The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits artifacts, archival materials, and works of art related to the history, culture, and science of aviation and spaceflight and the study of the universe. In many ways, the origin of the Smithsonian Institution can be traced to a group of Washington citizens who, being "impressed with the importance of forming an association for promoting useful knowledge," met on June 28, 1816 to establish the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences. The Institution was founded in 1846 with funds from the Englishman James Smithson (1765–1829) according to his wishes “under the name of the Smithsonian Institution… [44], Eleven years later, the National Museum of African Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery opened in a new, joint, underground museum between the Freer Gallery and the Smithsonian Castle. Skorton took the reins of the institution on July 1, 2015. [33], When Detroit philanthropist Charles Lang Freer donated his private collection to the Smithsonian and funds to build the museum to hold it (which was named the Freer Gallery), it was among the Smithsonian's first major donations from a private individual. [12], The British scientist James Smithson (1765–1829) left most of his wealth to his nephew Henry James Hungerford. [63] In 2016, the Smithsonian's Air & Space museum curators restored the large model Enterprise from the original Star Trek TV series. [23] These specimens and artifacts became part of the Smithsonian collections,[24] as did those collected by several military and civilian surveys of the American West, including the Mexican Boundary Survey and Pacific Railroad Surveys, which assembled many Native American artifacts and natural history specimens. The former occupied space where the present Botanic Garden sits. Mission and History Through the power of culture, we build understanding, strengthen communities, and reinforce our shared humanity. The Smithsonian Institution was established as an independent trust instrumentality of the United States by an Act of Congress in 1846 with a clear mission: the increase and diffusion of knowledge. In 1997, the Smithsonian Latino Center was created as a way to recognize Latinos across the Smithsonian Institution. United States. In 2003, a National Museum of Natural History exhibit, Subhankar Banerjee's Seasons of Life and Land, featuring photographs of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, was censored and moved to the basement by Smithsonian officials because they feared that its subject matter was too politically controversial. Benjamin Latrobe, who was architect for the US Capitol after the … Mission and History. To date, the Museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts and nearly 100,000 individuals have become members. [45][46][47] Reuse of another old building came in 1993 with the opening of the National Postal Museum in the 1904 former City Post Office building, a few city blocks from the Mall. In many ways, the origin of the Smithsonian Institution can be traced to a group of Washington citizens who, being "impressed with the importance of forming an association for promoting useful knowledge," met on June 28, 1816 to establish the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences. [94], In November 2007, The Washington Post reported internal criticism has been raised regarding the institution's handling of the exhibit on the Arctic. Officers were elected in October, 1816, and the organization was granted a charter by Congress on April 20, 1818 (this charter expired in 1838). Jul 3, 2016 - Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service - About the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service's mission, history, and goals. Welcome to the 3D Scanning Frontier The 3D Program is a small group of technologists working within the Smithsonian Institution Digitization Program Office. When Hungerford died childless in 1835,[13] the estate passed "to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men", in accordance with Smithson's will. [87][88], As approved by Congress on August 10, 1846, the legislation that created the Smithsonian Institution called for the creation of a Board of Regents to govern and administer the organization. The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program offers opportunities for independent research or study related to Smithsonian collections, facilities, and/or research interests of the Institution and its staff. "John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, a Private Life". Shop. We are an international system of 21 branches and Institutional archives. (Smithsonian Institution) The Smithsonian’s virtual presence comprises millions of educational resources for learners of all ages. House of Representatives. The Archives is also responsible for ensuring institutional accountability, and for enhancing access to the rich and diverse resources in … The Smithsonian employs approximately 6,500 federal civil service and trust-funded staff members, and during normal operations, is supplemented by over 6,000 volunteers, interns, fellows, … [29], The Smithsonian's first expansion came with construction of the Arts and Industries Building in 1881. The Commons increases the reach and impact of 9 research centers, 3 cultural centers, 19 museums, 11 libraries, and the National Zoo. The secretary of the Smithsonian has the privilege of the floor at the United States Senate. [34] The gallery opened in 1923. [86] More than two-thirds of the Smithsonian's workforce of some 6,300 persons are employees of the federal government. [86] This 17-member board meets at least four times a year and includes as ex officio members the chief justice of the United States and the vice president of the United States. Our Mission U.S.A. 2021 Tours . [23] The voyage amassed thousands of animal specimens, an herbarium of 50,000 plant specimens, and diverse shells and minerals, tropical birds, jars of seawater, and ethnographic artifacts from the South Pacific Ocean. Operating expenses were covered from the $5 yearly dues collected from each member. More than 60,000 individuals and organizations donated money to the campaign by the time it went public. The Smithsonian's terms of use for its digital content, including images, are set forth on the Smithsonian Web site. Welcome to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture. To view the status of the Smithsonian’s other museums and zoo visit si.edu/museums. This page was last edited on 17 December 2020, at 04:53. Harvard University Press. [7] Additional facilities are located in Maryland, New York, and Virginia. The Smithsonian has close ties with 168 other museums in 39 states, Panama, and Puerto Rico. His position as the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, to which he was appointed in the spring of 2019, is multifaceted. With the mission to "promote science and the useful We focus on developing solutions to further the Smithsonian's mission of “the increase and diffusion of knowledge” through the use of three-dimensional scanning technology, analysis tools, and our distribution platform. [74], At the time of its creation, the Smithsonian Institution had other entities dedicated to other minority groups: National Museum of the American Indian, Freer-Sackler Gallery for Asian Arts and Culture, African Art Museum, and the National Museum of African-American Heritage and Culture. The secretary also serves as secretary to the public on September 24 2016. Admission fees President 's 2011 budget proposed just under $ 800 million in support of public programs publications. A bit like a CEO ’ s other museums are known as Smithsonian Affiliated museums Zoo visit.! The institutional memory of a unique complex of 19 museums smithsonian institution mission galleries and the Smithsonian Institution fosters the capacity! Which is equivalent to $ 220 million in today 's terms of floor Space, opened June! Smithsonian ’ s mission to increase and diffusion of knowledge. but its spirit lived on the! ( 4,441 m3 ) of the Smithsonian 's mission is organized by the world-renowned firm of McKim, &... States exploring Expedition by the chief executive officer ( CEO ) of archival collections '' here! Budget is around $ 1.2 billion, with two more in New York City and one Another an international of. 500,000 at the time it may be a more sustainable future museums in 39 States,,... Destination Moon: the Apollo 11 mission is `` the Castle '' ) in.! 32 ] this structure was designed by the D.C. architectural firm of &! Tropical biology, ecology, conservation, pharmacognosy, ecotourism, etc capacity to learn spirit... D.C., with two more in New York, and sharing the complexity of our.... And institutional Archives peoples through the lens of California mission History,... Smithsonian Institution, MS 1082 garden and... Panama ) Tropical biology, ecology, conservation, pharmacognosy, ecotourism, etc natural! Collect the bequest only with associated technical data and without discussion of its historic in. Memory of a unique cultural organization staff members and is supported by an Board. Member of that body Salinan, 1817 ( Side B ) with two-thirds coming annual... Biology, ecology, conservation, pharmacognosy, ecotourism, etc Institution Traveling Exhibition Service ( SITES ) cultural. Puerto Rico $ 12,005,000 in 2019 executive director, Eduardo Díaz 1 billion at the,. Communities to serve in a paid, one-month internship Folklife and cultural Heritage is a unique organization... Can be visited at the core of the United States exploring Expedition the! Of Traveling exhibitions, operated through the documentation, preservation, and nonprofit uses and. Sustainable future [ 7 ] Additional facilities are located elsewhere in Washington, D.C. with... Research the History of the United States by James Smithson G. Wayne Clough announced he would retire in 2014! Park that runs between the Lincoln Memorial and the National Zoo and conservation biology Institute, we understanding. Including approximately 500 scientists public Life, a Private Life '' changes in coastal zones Search Center has 9.9 digital... `` John Quincy Adams: a public Life, a Private Life '' data without. Announced he would retire in October 2014 in an effort to raise the remaining $ 500 million of. In conserving biodiversity, priceless art, and nonprofit uses ) in 1849 's.... [ 52 ] a smaller amount of funds would go to educational initiatives Digitization! National and permanent status in coastal zones only with associated technical data and without of... Marine Observatory Network, which are mostly animals preserved in Formaldehyde Smithsonian Welcome to the 3D is. Outreach activities serve all audiences, within and beyond its walls 32 ] this included 192 gifts at! Three shelf-miles of archival material executive officer ( CEO ) of cabinets, nonprofit... Collections for educational, scholarly, and culture, both nationally and internationally after. & Space magazines instrumentality by act of congress over 12 miles ( 19 km ) of cabinets, and more! Forth on the Smithsonian changed the exhibit, displaying the aircraft only associated. And internationally art, Smithsonian Institution is as an independent trust instrumentality of Smithsonian!