The Controversial History of the Word ‘Hillbilly,’ Which Was First Defined in Print 125 Years Ago
In 1900, a political writer described the “hill-billie” as someone who “talks as he pleases, drinks whiskey when he gets it, and fires off his revolver as the fancy takes him.” Since then, the label has been used in both mockery and pride
Smithsonian Voices
National Museum of Natural History
How a 162-Year-Old Specimen Helped Prove the Existence of an ‘Incredulous’ Lizard Species
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The Controversial History of the Word ‘Hillbilly,’ Which Was First Defined in Print 125 Years Ago
In 1900, a political writer described the “hill-billie” as someone who “talks as he pleases, drinks whiskey when he gets it, and fires off his revolver as the fancy takes him.” Since then, the label has been used in both mockery and pride
Fifty Years Ago, This Irresistible Disco Song and Dance Craze Swept the Nation and Changed the Music Landscape
Disco music’s time in the sun may have passed, but the legacy of “The Hustle,” a mega hit in the genre, lives on
In the 1980s, This Special Camera Helped Turn Astronauts Into Cinematographers to Shoot the First Imax Movie Ever Filmed in Space
The groundbreaking work, “The Dream Is Alive,” celebrates its 40th anniversary this year
Inside the Epic Migrations of North America’s Most Fascinating Shorebirds, From Godwits to Curlews
Ornithologist Bruce Beehler tracks down what he calls the “Magnificent Seven,” a charismatic group of migratory birds, in his new book
How ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ Introduced the ‘First Lady of Children’s Music’ to a Large National Audience
When musician Ella Jenkins appeared on the show, she brought Black diasporic music and her signature songs to televisions across America
See for Yourself One of the World’s Rarest Red Diamonds at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum
Unraveling the surprising science that gives colorful diamonds their special allure
How Do Space Programs Get Their Names? And More Questions From Our Readers
You’ve got questions. We’ve got experts
A Peculiar, Short-Lived Office at the Smithsonian Once Explored Reports of Bizarre Natural Phenomena
From surprising squirrel migrations to islands popping up out of nowhere, the organization’s scientists tracked strange events as they happened
See These Newly Restored Massive Paintings Devoted to a Hindu God
The artworks, part of a new exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, help shed light on a traditional religious practice
Two Trailblazing Spacewalks in 1965 Opened the Door to Decades of Astronauts Pushing the Limits of Their Capabilities
Since those early steps, extravehicular activity has helped provide the solutions to many problems that astronauts face in space
This Comprehensive Guide Will Answer the Questions You Have About Black Holes—and Spark Some New Ones
In a new book release, two scientists combine forces to explain the discoveries, developments and theories made in the realm of the densest objects in space
How a Leading Black Historian Uncovered Her Own Family’s Painful Past—and Why Her Ancestors’ Stories Give Her Hope
Martha S. Jones’ new memoir draws on genealogical research and memories shared by relatives
See Lily Gladstone’s Stunning Oscar Gowns Designed by an Indigenous Artist
The two gowns were a collaboration between Gucci and a porcupine quillwork artist. Both are now on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian
From the Antebellum South to the Civil Rights Movement, Black American Women Have Long Told Their Stories Through Quilts
In a new exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, over 30 works showcase the significance of this quilting tradition
These Seven Stunning Towers Memorialize Lost Black Lives With Mirrors, Light and Ethiopian Cross Designs
At the National Museum of African Art, a Washington, D.C. artist’s work illuminates a gallery room and honors 54 people who died this century
The Otherwise Unremarkable ‘Rock Boxes’ That Brought Pieces of the Moon Back to Earth
Far from ordinary, it took a cutting-edge NASA design to safeguard these treasures during the Apollo missions
Are Humans the Only Species to Drive Others to Extinction? And More Questions From Our Readers
You’ve got questions. We’ve got experts
Only 50 Rice’s Whales Are Left. Can We Do Enough to Protect Them Before It’s Too Late?
In 2021, researchers identified a new whale species and are now scrambling to save their natural habitat
How the Theme Song From a Maligned Martin Scorsese Movie Became New York City’s Unofficial Anthem
Frank Sinatra’s rendition of “Theme From New York, New York” still raises spirits through challenging times and marks joyous occasions 45 years after its release
Untold Stories of American History
After Confederate Forces Captured Their Children, These Black Mothers Fought to Reunite Their Families
During the Civil War, Confederates targeted free Black people in the North, kidnapping them to sell into slavery. After the conflict ended, two women sought help from high places to track down their lost loved ones
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