Ahead of a lecture on James Smithson’s science on December 1st, author Steven Turner shares his experience testing the Smithsonian founder’s own coffee-making method. Steven Turner We’re looking ...

To celebrate the launch of our 175th-anniversary online exhibition, Smithson to Smithsonian, we’ll explore the life and legacy of founder James Smithson with a panel of experts on July 27th Erin ...

The James Smithson Collection lacks a great deal of his original papers. Richard Rush brought Smithson's personal effects to the United States in 1838, along with the proceeds from his estate. A fire ...

The world’s largest museum complex was founded on this day in history, Aug. 10, 1846. The Smithsonian Institution was first created by President James K. Polk, who signed the Smithsonian Institution ...

Dave Grohl, Susan Tedeschi and Gloria and Emilio Estefan have received a distinguished honor from the Smithsonian Institute. All four artists were presented with the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal ...

Journalist Burleigh (A Very Private Woman) examines the mysterious life of James Smithson, the Englishman who left a $500,000 bequest that led to the founding of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithson, ...

When the last will and testament of the internationally renowned English scientist, James Smithson, was opened after Smithson died this week (June 27) in 1829, his friends and colleagues must have ...

In 1826 a not very happy James Smithson of England sat down to write his will. He had half a million dollars but only a nephew to enjoy them. He was 61 and infirm. His father, the Duke of ...