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Smithsonian Voices

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

What It Took to Broker a Treaty Between the Young United States and Native Nations

Learn about the role of treaties in the relationship between early American settlers and Indigenous communities

Richard W. Hill, Sr. | December 4, 2023

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Remembering Johnny Cash's Activism 20 Years After His Death

While the country music star is beloved for his musical talents, he also used his fame to fight for prison reform and Native American rights

Alan Light | September 14, 2023

The Influence of Star Trek and Science Fiction on Real Science

For Star Trek Day, learn about the relationship between sci-fi and real-life science in this excerpt from "Reality Ahead of Schedule"

Joel Levy | September 8, 2023

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How Einstein, Oppenheimer and Other Scientists Failed to Convince Americans About Controlling Nuclear Weapons

Masterminds in physics, these leading academics didn’t know how to use the powerful tool of a public service announcement in this excerpt from "How McGruff and the Crying Indian Changed America"

Wendy Melillo | August 31, 2023

Building a Great Society on Sesame Street

Take a walk down Sesame Street and learn how the show pushed boundaries for social change in this excerpt from "Entertainment Nation."

Ryan Lintelman | July 27, 2023

Amelia Earhart Plans Her Final Flight

Facing criticism and concern after crash landing during her first attempt to fly around the world, Amelia Earhart plans to try again in this excerpt from "Amelia Earhart: A Biography."

Doris L. Rich | July 20, 2023

Carving Space for Diversity in Skateboarding

Explore the last decade of skateboarding and its push for inclusivity and diversity with this excerpt from "Four Wheels and a Board: The Smithsonian History of Skateboarding."

Betsy Gordon and Jane Rogers | July 6, 2023