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Smithsonian Voices

How the Smithsonian Supported Scientific Exploration During Westward Expansion

A new book on the history of the Smithsonian reveals its place alongside the nation's development

Tom D. Crouch | April 24, 2025

Five Smithsonian Objects to Honor Black History Month

Learn Black history with these objects from the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Smithsonian Institution | February 7, 2025

Five Fun Trivia Facts for Inauguration Day

Become a presidential expert in no time

Amy Pastan | January 16, 2025

How the Constitution Was Drafted With Hope and Compromise

A Smithsonian curator reflects on the document that was signed this week 237 years ago

Harry R. Rubenstein | September 19, 2024

The Smithsonian Founder Developed Poison Tests

Read about James Smithson's amazing scientific experiments to celebrate the Smithsonian's birthday this week

Steven Turner | August 8, 2024

The Paradox of the Declaration of Independence

The Smithsonian's secretary offers insight into one of the nation's most important documents

Lonnie G. Bunch III | July 18, 2024

The 'Friend to America' Who Helped Recognize the Country's Independence

Learn about the short-lived British prime minister who negotiated a peace treaty that ended the American Revolutionary War.

David J. Hancock | July 4, 2024

How Do Teachers Spend Summer Break? These Two Spent Theirs in a Bomber Factory

Learn about the experiences of women supporting World War II efforts in the memoir "Slacks and Calluses."

Constance Bowman Reid | June 27, 2024

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Delicious Recipes for Your Next Juneteenth Celebration

Try these three sweet and savory recipes to mark the holiday!

Albert G. Lukas and Jessica B. Harris | June 19, 2024

How Portraiture Displays Desire

Read about the debate surrounding Thomas Eakins' paintings and his sexuality

Jonathan Katz | June 6, 2024

How the Language of Presidents and First Ladies Shapes the Country

Smithsonian curators explore the power of words from the White House

E. Claire Jerry and Lisa Kathleen Graddy | May 23, 2024

The Man Behind Lincoln's Inauguration Photos

A new book celebrates the work of John Wood, the country's first federal photographer

Adrienne Lundgren | May 2, 2024

How the Tobacco Industry Lured Customers with Baseball Cards

With baseball season in full swing, learn about the game's entwined history with cigarettes

Peter Devereaux | April 18, 2024

How the Smithsonian Conserved the Jefferson Bible

Thomas Jefferson cut and arranged selected Bible verses to create a chronological, edited story of Jesus' life—and the conservation treatment was just as painstaking

Janice Stagnitto Ellis | April 11, 2024

The Legacy of the Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington, D.C., has one of the world's greatest celebrations of spring

Mari Nakahara and Katherine Blood | March 28, 2024

How Bessie Coleman Pleased the Crowds and Alienated the Critics

The daredevil aviator faces mixed public opinion in this excerpt from "Queen Bess"

Doris L. Rich | March 14, 2024

A Long Story of Freedom Seeking

A Smithsonian curator's insight into the Emancipation Proclamation

Paul Gardullo | February 29, 2024

Benjamin Banneker's Almanac of Strange Dreams

The work of mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker represents the fascinating relationship between science and religion

Peter Manseau and Andrew Ali Aghapour | January 4, 2024

We Wish You a Commercial Christmas

With the holiday season comes celebration, community, and cash.

James J. Farrell | December 11, 2023