Today’s photo–taken in 1953–depicts the dedication required to keep the Smithsonian Institution going and growing. This national treasure is made up of 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoo, as well as several research facilities. Admission to all Smithsonian museums in Washington is free, so that anyone can visit to learn about the US, and the world beyond it. It was this day in 1846 that President James K. Polk signed the legislation establishing the Smithsonian. Getting there took some doing, as Englishman James Smithson had donated the funds for an educational institution to the US in his will 20 years earlier. After the deaths of Smithson and his last surviving relative, Congress inherited 104,960 gold sovereigns as start-up money for the museum that would later bear Smithson’s name.
Assembling the Smithsonian
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
-
Rockin with the rockhoppers
-
It’s Opening Day for Major League Baseball
-
Aerial view of the Colorado River Delta in Mexico
-
Raise your hand for Teacher Appreciation Day
-
World Art Day
-
In the Supertree Grove
-
Salt ponds of Maras, Peru
-
Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California
-
Astrotourism at its finest
-
‘Fringe’ takes center stage as Edinburgh celebrates the arts
-
When science looks like magic
-
Bluespotted ribbontail ray
-
A peek behind the royal curtain
-
A palace for the public
-
Welcome to El Cervantino
-
Saint Dwynwen s Day
-
Black History Month
-
Travels to the Oregon deep
-
Lizard of mystery
-
Summertime in Alaska
-
How Quảng Ngãi got its grove back
-
A tower of remembrance
-
Haaga Rhododendron Park
-
White Sands National Park turns 90
-
World Poetry Day
-
Summer solstice
-
Christmas market at Belvedere Palace in Vienna
-
World Water Day
-
National Trails Day
-
Baddest of the badlands