People
These influential artists, celebrities, leaders and scholars have shaped our world
The Adventures of the Real Tom Sawyer
Mark Twain prowled the rough-and-tumble streets of 1860s San Francisco with a hard-drinking, larger-than-life fireman
October 2012 |
By Robert Graysmith
The Dark Side of Thomas Jefferson
A new portrait of the founding father challenges the long-held perception of Thomas Jefferson as a benevolent slaveholder
October 2012 |
By Henry Wiencek
Kennedy After Dark: A Dinner Party About Politics and Power
In this exclusive transcript from the JFK library, hear what he had to say just days after announcing his candidacy for the presidency
October 2012 |
By Ted Widmer
Winged Tapestries
Jim des Rivières' portraits of moths capture the insects' exquisite patterns
September 28, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Events September 28-30: Dance Parties, Family Days and Artist Talks
This weekend, get down after dark, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and get an artist's perspective on art in the collection
September 27, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Silence that Preceded China’s Great Leap into Famine
Mao Zedong encouraged critics of his government—and then betrayed them just when their advice might have prevented a calamity
September 26, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
Science Images that Border on Art
This year's Wellcome Image Award winners pull at your "art" strings. The curious seek out the science behind them
September 26, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Did Dinosaurs Swim?
Carnivorous theropod dinosaurs were once thought to be hydrophobic, but rare swim tracks show that these predators at least sometimes took a dip in lakes and rivers
September 24, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Are Scientists Sexist? New Study Identifies a Gender Bias
A new study indicates that the gatekeepers of science, whether male or female, are less likely to hire female applicants to work in labs
September 24, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Events September 25-27: Waterways, Conserving Masterpieces and Video Blogging
This week, explore the role of the Anacostia River, art conservators at the museum and video blogging in contemporary life
September 24, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Copper King’s Precipitous Fall
Augustus Heinze dominated the copper fields of Montana, but his family's scheming on Wall Street set off the Panic of 1907.
September 20, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
Events September 21-23: Sculpture dedications, Jim Henson and Sufism at the Smithsonian
This weekend, join in a ceremony to welcome two new monumental works, celebrate the Muppets creator and learn about the world of Islamic mysticism
September 20, 2012 |
By Jeanie Riess
Tussling Over Thecodontosaurus
The history of Thecodontosaurus, the fourth dinosaur ever named, is a tangled tale of paleontologist politics
September 19, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
In a Van Gogh Painting, the Flowers Are Changing Color
Scientists have figured out why some of the "Flowers in a blue vase" became discolored over time
September 17, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Events September 18-20: Free love, Edward Hopper and historic houses
This week, take in some spoken word, learn more about the artist behind iconic scenes and tour the official guest house of U.S. presidents
September 17, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Picture-Perfect Bonsai
In a new book, botanical photographer Jonathan Singer focuses his lens on the potted plants
September 13, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Amy Henderson: The Fashion-Forward Life of Diana Vreeland
It was Diana Vreeland, whose skill, imagination and discipline, defined the job of a modern fashion editor
September 11, 2012 |
By Amy Henderson
All Ears! An Underwater Sculpture that Listens
A collaboration between sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor and marine biologist Heather Spence aims to track the development of a new coral reef
September 11, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Take a Stroll Through Whistler’s London Neighborhood
A handful of Whistler's etchings, many never-before exhibited and on view at the Freer, offer a view of the artist's Chelsea neighborhood
September 10, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events September 11-13: Alaska artists, Twitter talk and The Scream
This week: Native artisans, Barbara Kruger and Edvard Munch
September 10, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
