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Stories from Smithsonian magazine

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Introducing Our Special Issue on America at War

The nation’s epic, expanding fight against terrorism overseas

Aaron Wixson, a Marine field artillery radar operator in Oceanside, California, transitioned from female to male in 2016. His biggest challenge was getting everybody to change the pronouns they used for him. “Some of them said, ‘We’ve been calling you “her” for so long.’”

The Faces Behind Transgender Troops’ Struggle for Acceptance

Meet some of the servicemembers at the center of one of the most controversial matters facing the U.S. military

The train to Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, a French village where strangers in need have been welcomed for centuries.

Identity Crisis: Three Photo Essays Highlight the Lives of the Dispossessed

In our chaotic era, there are outcasts—and people who take them in

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Women Who Shaped History

Collecting the stories of women who forever changed the course of the American story

1968: The Year That Shattered America

Take a look at the featured articles from our special 1968 double issue

Elyse Butler got up close and personal to capture this fiery scene of lava flowing dramatically into the Pacific Ocean from Kilauea volcano.

Smithsonian Magazine’s Most Powerful Photos of the Year

Our photography editors select their favorites from a year full of stunning photojournalism

Portraits of Faith

In a world changing faster than ever, the enduring appeal of religious tradition shines in these photographs

From left to right: Ricky Jackson is finally a free man; Japanese Americans head into internment in 1942; a Maryland boy (in red) has an inmate mom.

The Far-Reaching Effects of American Incarceration

Three photo essays explore the history and modern-day consequences of the world’s highest incarceration rate

Discussion

Reader responses to our December issue

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The 2016 Smithsonian Magazine American Ingenuity Awards

This year’s recipients range from a popular actor and comedian to a tech-savvy archaeologist

The Powerful Objects From the Collections of the Smithsonian’s Newest Museum

These artifacts each tell a part of the African-American story

American Exiles: Leaving Home

A series of three photo essays explores how America has treated its own people in times of crisis

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Discussion

Readers responses to our May issue

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Discussion

Reader responses to our March issue

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Discussion

Reader responses to our January/February issue

Journey to the Center of Earth

Drill deep into the mysteries of our home planet, from the surface all the way down to the core

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Discussion

Reader responses to our December issue

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Discussion

Reader responses to our November issue

A victorious commander rides in a chariot during a triumphal procession in ancient Rome.

What You Don’t Know About Ancient Rome Could Fill a Book. Mary Beard Wrote That Book

The British historian reveals some surprises about the ancient Roman people and their customs

The Real-Life Places That Inspired Frankenstein

How Mary Shelley used ideas, events and places to invent her famous monster

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