Your IMPACT | Your Smithsonian

Taking Action for Social Good

Taking Action for Social Good

Community research guides inspire young people to act on pressing issues.

NMAfA–Ngaire Blankenberg–Portrait

A Global Perspective

A Conversation with Ngaire Blankenberg

A Window In Curators–film strip

A Window In

We spoke with three Smithsonian art curators about recent acquisitions that capture the spirit and vision of each museum’s vast and growing collection.

(ILLUSTRATION Evan Keeling)

Moments of Innovation

The Smithsonian was founded in the early days of a brand-new democracy, as the United States was developing its identity as a nation that applies new ideas and scientific inquiry to better society. From the beginning, the Smithsonian helped shape that identity. The institution still does, innovating to meet the evolving needs of the American people. Explore moments of innovation that shaped the Smithsonian over 175 years.

(James Renwick Jr., Sketch of the north tower of the Smithsonian Castle, 1846. Smithsonian Institution Archives. Graphic treatment by Deanna Luu)

Our Foundation is Our Future

Explore some inspiring threads of continuity in the Smithsonian’s pursuit of its mission during the course of 175 years

Pandemic as Portal

The New Normal

The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything for arts and culture institutions worldwide. At the Smithsonian, we are confronting challenges and embracing opportunities presented by “a new normal.”

In June 2020, a protest against racial injustice and police brutality made its way through the streets of Washington, D.C. Photographer Talia Hawley submitted this photo as part of the Anacostia Community Museum’s Moments of Resilience storytelling project. PHOTO Talia Hawley

Healing A Nation

In a year marked by widespread protests against racial injustice and calls to reckon with America’s racial past, the Smithsonian is taking a big step toward helping the country heal. A new Race, Community and Our Shared Future initiative—to launch nationwide this winter with generous support from founding partner Bank of America—will explore how Americans understand, experience and confront race.

Darren Walker

Catalyst Darren Walker, A Leader for Social Justice

Darren Walker is president of the Ford Foundation. Under his leadership, the foundation has given generously to help build the National Museum of African American History and Culture; the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center to support culture labs that foster a deeper understanding of Asian Pacific Americans; Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum for
two groundbreaking exhibitions, Design for the Other 90% and Access + Ability; and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative. This fall, Walker was honored by Cooper Hewitt with the Director’s Award for his courageous vision for fighting social inequality, inspiring leadership and unwavering support of organizations that build a more inclusive and strong civil society.

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