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The Smithsonian
Also known as: SI, The Castle
Washington, DC, US
The Smithsonian Institution, founded in 1846 from James Smithson's bequest, is the world's largest museum and research complex, dedicated to the "increase and diffusion of knowledge."
Overview
The Smithsonian Institution, established on August 10, 1846, is the world's largest museum and research complex. It was founded through a bequest from British scientist James Smithson, who left his fortune to the United States to create "an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." Governed by a Board of Regents and a Secretary, the Smithsonian has grown from a single building (the Castle) to encompass 21 museums, the National Zoo, and 14 research/education centers. Its mission remains rooted in Smithson's original vision, expanded by the Smithsonian 2027 Strategic Plan to address contemporary global challenges.
Key Programs & Events
Smithson's Remains Reinterred at Smithsonian
James Smithson's remains were repatriated from Italy and reinterred at the Smithsonian, with Alexander Graham Bell escorting them.
Smithsonian Institution Founded
The Smithsonian Institution was established by an act of Congress signed by President James K. Polk, funded by the bequest of James Smithson.
Departments & Divisions
Directed by John Wesley Powell. Key nexus for suppression allegations regarding giant skeletal remains.
Custodian of contested physical evidence.
Developed the History Explorer program which provides online resources for teaching American history.
Quick Facts
Founded
1846
Headquarters
Washington, DC, US
Type
museum
Transparency
standard
Status
Active
Appears In
Giants Among Us: Myth, Bone, and the Archaeology of a Global Obsession
82%The site of Aleš Hrdlička's osteometric investigations that consistently debunked giant skeleton claims, and the subject of a persistent 'suppression' conspiracy narrative that has never produced verifiable supporting documentation.
The Smithsonian's Buried Past: Suppression, Science, and the Politics of American Archaeology
81%The Smithsonian is the central institution in the forbidden archaeology controversy, having collected Native American skeletal remains under state-directed programs and been accused of suppressing anomalous archaeological evidence.