Articles
Science & Nature
The Hidden World of Ants
A new photo exhibit featuring the work of biologist Mark Moffett reminds us that we still live in an age of discovery
By Amanda Bensen
Science & Nature
Catching a Wave, Powering an Electrical Grid?
Electrical engineer Annette von Jouanne is pioneering an ingenious way to generate clean, renewable electricity from the sea
By Elizabeth Rusch
History & Archaeology
Nikita Khrushchev Goes to Hollywood
Lunch with the Soviet leader was Tinseltown's hottest ticket, with famous celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin
By Peter Carlson
Science & Nature
High Hopes for a New Kind of Gene
Scientists believe that microRNA may lead to breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating cancer
By Sylvia Pagán Westphal
History & Archaeology
Moonwalk Launch Party
The launch 40 years ago of Apollo 11, which put a man on the moon, brought Americans together during a time of nationwide unrest
By David Burnett
Arts & Culture
Frank Baum, the Man Behind the Curtain
The author of The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum, traveled many paths before he found his Yellow Brick Road and captured our collective imagination
By Chloë Schama
Science & Nature
Robot Babies
Can scientists build a machine that learns as it goes and plays well with others? A new robot design draws on ways human babies learn about the world
By Abigail Tucker
History & Archaeology
Terra Cotta Soldiers on the March
A traveling exhibition of China's terra cotta warriors sheds new light on the ruler whose tomb they guarded
By Arthur Lubow
Arts & Culture
The Ultimate Spy Plane
The SR-71 Blackbird, now featured in the Transformers movie sequel, was faster than a rifle bullet and flew 16 miles above the earth
By Owen Edwards
History & Archaeology
Up in Arms Over a Co-Ed Plebe Summer
The first women to attend the Naval Academy became seniors in 1979. Photographer Lucian Perkins was there as the old order changed
By Amanda Bensen
Travel
Thornton Wilder's Desert Oasis
For the Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Douglas, Arizona was a place to "refresh the wells" and drive into the sunset
By Tom Miller
Science & Nature
Wild Things:
Life as We Know It
Whale of a comeback, dancing cockatoos, sticky bees, and waltzing pond scum
By Amanda Bensen, Joseph Caputo, T.A. Frail, Laura Helmuth and Abigail Tucker
Think Fast
How many prisoners were liberated when a Parisian mob stormed the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789?
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6th Annual Smithsonian Photo Contest Winners
Out of more than 17,000 entries contributed from around the world, Smithsonian and its readers select the year's best
Where to Live Next: Smithsonian's Guide to Cultured Retirement
With the baby boomer generation preparing to retire, which cities offer the best in culture, lifestyle, dining and entertainment?
Excavation at Stonehenge
Discover the secrets of Stonehenge when two experts share stories from their archaeological dig at the ancient site
New Ways to Live Energy Efficient
Six individuals explore new energy sources and rethink new ways on how to conserve energy
Two Hundred Years of Abraham Lincoln
This year, the country commemorates the 200th birthday of our beloved 16th president, Abraham Lincoln
EcoCenter: Energy
What are governments, companies and households doing to conserve energy and pursue a "greener" future?
Your Kind of Town
What makes your city, suburb or small town special? Share a favorite memory or anecdote about your hometown
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