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These influential artists, celebrities, leaders and scholars have shaped our world
Quirky Holiday Gift Ideas for Science Nerds
A roundup of unique (if impractical) science gifts, from glass anatomical models to retro adding machines
December 07, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
What Prehistoric Reptile Do These Three-foot Claws Belong To?
Claws once thought to belong to a giant turtle turned out to be from one of the weirdest dinosaurs ever found
December 06, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Events December 7-9: 3-D Caves, Custom Kicks and Talk-Rock
This weekend, catch the hot new virtual reality art project, create your own "mockups" with artist Louie Gong and take in a talk and show with Fire and the Wheel
December 06, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Day Henry Clay Refused to Compromise
The Great Pacificator was adept at getting congressmen to reach agreements over slavery. But he was less accommodating when one of his own slaves sued him
December 06, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
The Kennedy Assassin Who Failed
Richard Paul Pavlick’s plan wasn’t very complicated, but it took an eagle-eyed postal worker to prevent a tragedy
December 06, 2012 |
By Dan Lewis
Holiday Gift Guide: Must-Reads from the Smithsonian’s Curators
We asked the institution team for their picks from the past year, from art to poetry to science
December 05, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Nine Gift Ideas For the Science-Loving Art Enthusiast on Your List
Be it a book, movie, calendar or game, these picks are perfect for the hardest-to-shop-for people on your list
December 05, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Playlist: Eight Tracks to Get Your Holiday Music Groove On
A roundup of holiday classics and some new alternatives for a festive season
December 04, 2012 |
By Joann Stevens
The General is in the House; Colin Powell’s Portrait Goes on View
The gallery commissioned a portrait of the first African American Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
December 04, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Insane Amount of Biodiversity in One Cubic Foot
David Liittschwager travels to the world's richest ecosystems, photographing all the critters that pass through his "biocube" in 24 hours
November 30, 2012 |
By Jeff Greenwald
Drawing on the Edge: Six Contemporary Portraitists Challenge Convention
Six young artists leave their mark on portraiture with the National Portrait Gallery's new exhibit
November 30, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events Nov. 30-Dec. 2: Africa’s Space Programs, the Middle East’s Diva and Ang Lee’s Wedding Banquet
This weekend, explore a continent's long history with the stars, hear the vocal stylings of Karima Skalli and watch another classic in a series of film screenings
November 29, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Amy Henderson: A Portrait is a Story Unfolding
Artist Everett Raymond Kinstler's portrait of the legendary performer Christopher Plummer joins the collection as Kinstler is honored by The Players Club in New York City
November 28, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Madame Restell: The Abortionist of Fifth Avenue
Without benefit of medical training, Madame Restell spent 40 years as a "female physician"
November 27, 2012 |
By Karen Abbott
What is Genyodectes?
A set of partial jaws hold an important place in the history of South American paleontology, but what sort of dinosaur do they represent?
November 27, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Photos: The National Hockey League Turns 95
Though the league is currently in another lockout, the Smithsonian collections have plenty of memorabilia from the sport's history in the United States
November 26, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events November 27-29: Johnny Mercer, Contemporary Middle Eastern Art and Handi-hour
This week, review the musical genius of Capitol Records co-founder, examine identity in Middle Eastern art and start your stitching
November 26, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Stegosaurus Plate Debate
Stegosaurus is immediately recognizable for its prominent plates, but why did these structures actually evolve?
November 23, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Events November 23-25: ZooLights, Artsy Holiday Cards and Metaphysical Baseball
This weekend, a seasonal favorite returns to the Zoo and authors sign books on 20th century holiday cards and a man haunted by visions of baseball's past
November 22, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The History of Pardoning Turkeys Began With Tad Lincoln
The rambunctious boy had free rein of the White House, and used it to divert a holiday bird from the butcher's block
November 21, 2012 |
By Gilbert King


