People
These influential artists, celebrities, leaders and scholars have shaped our world
How Would You Rank the Greatest Presidents?
In a new book, political junkie Robert W. Merry shares his three-part test
August 13, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
The Demonization of Empress Wu
"She killed her sister, butchered her elder brothers, murdered the ruler, poisoned her mother," the chronicles say. But is the empress unfairly maligned?
August 10, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Events August 10-12: Date Night, Super Science Saturday, The Story of the Earth
Start the weekend off with a date night at the Freer Gallery, then enjoy Super Science Saturday at the Udvar-Hazy Center and learn about the Earth with author Robert Hazen.
August 09, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
New Wrinkle in Tarbosaurus Kerfuffle
The man who prepared an illicit tyrannosaur specimen claims that the dinosaur is rightly his
August 09, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
The American Art Museum Announces Nominees for Contemporary Artist Award
We help you sort out who's who from the museum's recent announcement, in a series of three posts
August 08, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Look at the Writing on the Wall: Barbara Kruger Opens Soon at the Hirshhorn
The artist behind "I shop therefore I am" has plastered her monumental statements all over the Hirshhorn
August 06, 2012 |
By Jeanie Riess
Events August 7-9: Sketching, Musical Genre-Bending and Stitching
This week, sketch like a master, catch a concert that blends Native American and Celtic sounds and stitch in the presence of greatness
August 06, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Double Dinosaur Brain Myth
Contrary to a popular myth, dinosaurs didn't have butt brains
August 02, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Sherlock Holmes and the Tools of Deduction
Sherlock Holmes’s extraordinary deductions would be impossible without the optical technologies of the 19th century
July 31, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
Curator Talk at the American Art Museum on African-American Art Exhibition
Virginia Mecklenburg offers a Wednesday lecture on the artists from "Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era and Beyond"
July 31, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
"The Flying Housewife" of the 1948 London Games
Voted female athlete of the 20th century, Fanny Blankers-Koen won four gold medals while pregnant with her third child
July 31, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
A Brief History of Hidden Dinosaurs
Even though scientific interest in dinosaurs is relatively new, our species have been puzzling about the prehistoric creatures for centuries.
July 30, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Olympic Games at the Smithsonian
Before you settle into your couch to watch the Olympics, get down to the Smithsonian for exhibits, games and more.
July 24, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events July 20-22: Living Earth Festival, Movie Day, Book Signings at Air and Space
This weekend, celebrate Earth, have a movie day and check out some super cool planes at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
July 19, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
Teen Photographers Win Spot at National Portrait Gallery
Winners of the museum's Teen Portrait Competition discuss their portraits and the stories behind them.
July 18, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Five Things Leslie Knope Should See at the Smithsonian
As NBC's "Parks and Recreation" prepares to shoot its season five opener in D.C., we offer up five must-sees for the newest city councilmember of Pawnee, Indiana
July 17, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
What William Shatner Would Put on His Gravestone
The modern-day Renaissance man, known for his work on the stage and the screen, provides insights from the Tao of Captain Kirk
July 17, 2012 |
By Jeff Greenwald
Events July 17-19: Virtual Caving, Air Force Strings and a Tribute to Thelonius Monk
This week at the Smithsonian: take a virtual tour beneath the earth's surface, see the Air Force Strings perform and honor the genius of Thelonius Monk.
July 16, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events July 13-15: After Hours at the Museum of African Art, Cranes and Clouds, “Don Juan” Screening
This weekend, hit up the Museum of African Art after hours, create Korean art and view a screening of "Don Juan."
July 12, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
The Battle in Our Backyard: Remembering Fort Stevens
Historian David C. Ward recounts the short but unprecedented Civil War attack on Washington, D.C. at the Battle of Fort Stevens on July 11, 1864.
July 11, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
