History & Archaeology
A Capitol Vision From a Self-Taught Architect
In 1792, William Thornton designed America's defining monument, where a new visitor center opens in December
Also see: Inside the Capitol Visitors Center
The Lasting Impact of a Civil Rights Icon's Murder
One of three civil rights workers murdered in Mississippi in 1964 was James Chaney. His younger brother, Ben, would never be the same
44 Years Later, a Washington, D.C. Death Unresolved
Mary Pinchot Meyer's death remains a mystery. But it's her life that holds more interest now
Rewriting History in Great Britain
Recently uncovered documents in the British archives reveal dark secrets from World War II. One problem: they are forgeries
Inside the Capitol Visitors Center
After years of delays and millions of dollars spent, the brand-new Capitol Visitors Center opens in December in a space that nearly doubles the size of the U.S. Capitol itself
Chasing the Lydian Hoard
Author Sharon Waxman digs into the tangle over looted artifacts between the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Turkish government
Star-Spangled Banner Back on Display
After a decade’s conservation, the flag that inspired the National Anthem returns to its place of honor on the National Mall
Sarah Vowell on the Puritans' Legacy
The author and 'This American Life' correspondent talks about her newest book on the words and influence of the colonies' early religious leaders
Gobekli Tepe: The World’s First Temple?
Predating Stonehenge by 6,000 years, Turkey's stunning Gobekli Tepe upends the conventional view of the rise of civilization
Montpelier and the Legacy of James Madison
The recently restored Virginia estate of James Madison was home to a founding father and the ideals that shaped a nation
The Financial Panic of 1907: Running from History
Just over 100 years ago, Americans panicked as brokerage firms went bankrupt and investors pulled their money out of banks, instigating a nation-wide crisis
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Test your knowledge on Smithsonian.com's crossword puzzle
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Heritage Month
Celebrating American Indian Heritage
Sitting Bull's legacy, Native American languages, a national list of events and more
Abraham Lincoln
Life of Lincoln
In anticipation of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, we've compiled an interactive timeline.
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Smithsonian Videos
Star-Spangled Salute
Re-enactors relive the Battle of Baltimore
One Life: The Mask of Lincoln
National Portrait Gallery historian David C. Ward discusses images of Abraham Lincoln
Fallow Groan
Watch a fallow buck groan
Fishermen's Fate
In the town of Fort Bragg, California, fishermen scramble to make a living
Coral Reefs and Creatures
The Phoenix Islands provide an unspoiled center for marine science
In The Magazine
Smithsonian Journeys
Explore the historical battles and conflicts of the Mediterranean from antiquity to World War II
CultureSpotter
Experience Mexico Choose from seven videos to learn more about Mexico and its rich history.
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