Smithsonian Books

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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

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Five Smithsonian Objects to Honor Black History Month

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

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How the Constitution Was Drafted With Hope and Compromise

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

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The Paradox of the Declaration of Independence

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

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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."

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Delicious Recipes for Your Next Juneteenth Celebration

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

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How the Language of Presidents and First Ladies Shapes the Country

Smithsonian curators explore the power of words from the White House

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Explore Amazing Contributions Made by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with Four Smithsonian Stories

Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Smithsonian objects

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The Man Behind Lincoln's Inauguration Photos

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

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How the Tobacco Industry Lured Customers with Baseball Cards

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

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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

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The Legacy of the Cherry Blossom Festival

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

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The Disappearing Birds of Hawai'i

A new book draws on deep history to reckon with today's environmental crises

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Benjamin Banneker's Almanac of Strange Dreams

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

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Honoring the Long History of Native American Service

In honor of Veterans Day and Native American Heritage Month, learn about the legacy of Native American service and the memorial that pays tribute to them.

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Spend Halloween With Gruesome Ghosts

Celebrate the scary season with ghostly Japanese prints from the upcoming book "Staging the Supernatural"

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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"

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Why Humans Have Always Been Fascinated With Their Ancient Past

Learn about the evolution of archaeology and human interest in it with this excerpt from “Archaeology: The Essential Guide to Our Human Past.”

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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."

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