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Alexander von Humboldt: The Man History Forgot

Rediscover the 19th-century naturalist who traveled on four continents, wrote 2,500 letters, 36 books and hugely influenced early America

What's New to Explore at the Smithsonian

Two more museums, the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of the American Indian, open Friday

International Man of Influence

The 19th-century polymath continues to influence the Institution’s research; a major Smithsonian exhibition explains how and why

Why Is This Mastodon in an Art Show?

Meet the hugely influential Alexander von Humboldt, who foretold of climate change and inspired artists, writers and presidents

The Story of Charles Willson Peale’s Mastodon

When a European intellectual snubbed the U.S., the well-known artist excavated the giant fossil as evidence of the new Republic’s strength and power

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Dies at 87

The Supreme Court justice, who died at 87, "inspired women to believe in themselves," says the Smithsonian's Kim Sajet

How Racism Intersects With Public Health

Scholars take a deep dive into how structural racism intersects with public health

Alexander von Humboldt: The Man History Forgot — Alexander von Humboldt: The Man History Forgot

Rediscover the 19th-century naturalist who traveled on four continents, wrote 2,500 letters, 36 books and hugely influenced early America

What's New to Explore at the Smithsonian — What's New to Explore at the Smithsonian

Two more museums, the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of the American Indian, open Friday

International Man of Influence — International Man of Influence

The 19th-century polymath continues to influence the Institution’s research; a major Smithsonian exhibition explains how and why

Why Is This Mastodon in an Art Show? — Why Is This Mastodon in an Art Show?

Meet the hugely influential Alexander von Humboldt, who foretold of climate change and inspired artists, writers and presidents

The Story of Charles Willson Peale’s Mastodon — The Story of Charles Willson Peale’s Mastodon

When a European intellectual snubbed the U.S., the well-known artist excavated the giant fossil as evidence of the new Republic’s strength and power

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Dies at 87 — Ruth Bader Ginsburg Dies at 87

The Supreme Court justice, who died at 87, "inspired women to believe in themselves," says the Smithsonian's Kim Sajet

How Racism Intersects With Public Health — How Racism Intersects With Public Health

Scholars take a deep dive into how structural racism intersects with public health

Ask Smithsonian Ask Smithsonian: How Did Amelia Earhart Raise the Money for Her Flights and Other Questions From Our Readers »

New Research at the Smithsonian: A Megamouth Shark Arrives at the Natural History Museum and Other Breaking Science News from the Smithsonian »

Smithsonian Voices: Make It All Your Own Thanks to Smithsonian Open Access with These Designs at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum »

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group of seals on a rocky beach.

From the Collections

Sketch by Poultney Gibelow

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