Seven New Things We Learned About Human Evolution in 2021
Paleoanthropologists Briana Pobiner and Ryan McRae reveal some of the year’s best findings in human origins studies
What ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Teaches Us About American History
The Christmas classic, released 75 years ago, conveys many messages beyond having faith in one another
The Return of America’s Celebrity Inventor
In a new book, Smithsonian historian Eric S. Hintz traces the rise and fall, and rise again, of the maverick inventor
In the Magic Kingdom, History Was a Lesson Filled With Reassurance
Fifty years ago, Disney World’s celebrated opening promised joy and inspiration to all; today the theme park is reckoning with its white middle-class past
Secretary Lonnie Bunch on Why the Smithsonian Is Talking About Race
In a deeply divided moment, a new initiative aims to bring Americans together by reckoning with our racial past
Why History Museums Are Convening a ‘Civic Season’
History is complex, says the Smithsonian’s Chris Wilson; here’s how to empower citizens with the lessons it offers
A Folklorist Explains Loki’s Place in Mythology’s Pantheon of Trickster Heroes
Smithsonian’s James Deutsch says that behind the character in the new Marvel Studios series lies the oft-told story of “guile” outsmarting authority
Remembering George Floyd and the Movement He Sparked
Kevin Young, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, reflects on the one-year anniversary of Floyd’s killing
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Calls Upon Its Community to Share the Power of Music
As an antidote for these times, 43 songs honoring joy, sorrow, rage and resistance
The Little-Known Story of 19th-Century America’s Partisan Warfare
In a new book, Smithsonian curator Jon Grinspan examines the history of America’s furious and fractious politics
Why This Pandemic Won’t Be the Last
Smithsonian biological anthropologist Sabrina Sholts says Covid-19 illustrates that what makes us human also makes us more vulnerable to global contagions
Iraq’s Cultural Museum in Mosul Is on the Road to Recovery
The arduous process, says the Smithsonian’s Richard Kurin, is “a victory over violent extremism”
A New Film Details the FBI’s Relentless Pursuit of Martin Luther King Jr.
Smithsonian scholar says the time is ripe to examine the man’s complexities for a more accurate and more inspirational history
Ten New Things We Learned About Human Origins in 2020
Smithsonian’s archaeologist Ella Beaudoin and paleoanthropologist Briana Pobiner reveal some of the year’s best findings in human origins studies
In Times of Conflict, How Can We Support the People Who Keep Culture Alive?
A Smithsonian research fellow weighs in on the ways culture proves both vital and resilient
These Conservation Stories Prove 2020 Was Not All Bad News
From the Smithsonian’s Earth Optimism team, comes a surprising list of successful efforts making a difference
How Apollo 8 Delivered Christmas Eve Peace and Understanding to the World
In a new book, Smithsonian curator Teasel Muir-Harmony examines the geopolitics during NASA’s space flight program
The Smithsonian’s Evolving Role as the Nation’s Knowledge Partner
Museum education has had a long, ever evolving history at the Smithsonian that can be found at the heart of its mission today
The Storied History of Giving in America
Throughout American history, philanthropy has involved the offering of time, money and moral concern to benefit others, but it carries a complicated legacy
Top 10 Giant Panda Cub Cam Moments
Two National Zoo curators and the panda keeper journal their favorite moments of the new cub’s first days
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