The history of the Smithsonian Institution and it’ Essay Example
The history of the Smithsonian Institution and it’ Essay Example

The history of the Smithsonian Institution and it’ Essay Example

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  • Pages: 9 (2474 words)
  • Published: December 11, 2018
  • Type: Research Paper
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James Smithson, an exceptionally brilliant scientist and the founder of the Smithsonian Institution, has had a profound influence on the current elaborate, extensive, and all-encompassing establishment that is the Smithsonian Institution. Born in 1765 in the South of France to Sir Hugh Smithson, the Duke of Northumberland, and Elizabeth Hungerford Keate Macie, Smithson's academic journey commenced with his graduation from Oxford in 1786. His exceptional intellect granted him acceptance into the Royal Society of London, an assembly of distinguished scientists. Notably, Smithson's discovery of zinc carbonate led to its eponymous designation as Smithsonite.

In his will, Smithson left all his money and property to his nephew Henry James Hungerford, who was born an illegitimate, like Smithson. Smithson wrote the following; "Should Hungerford die without leaving a family, I then bequeath t

...

he whole of my property... to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name Smithsonian Institution, and establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.1" The reason behind Smithson's decision to leave his money to America, a country he had never visited, remains unknown.

In 1833, Smithson wrote his will and passed away in Genoa, Italy two years later without a spouse or children. Similarly, Henry James Hungerford also died without any family. When news of Smithson's bequest reached Washington DC, Congress spent eleven years deliberating on how to handle the funds. Urgently, Richard Rush traveled to England to claim the money for Congress. Smithson's mother advocated for a significant portion of the funds over a span of two years. Eventually, on May 9, 1838, the court granted Smithson's mother an annual sum of 150 pounds while America received

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100,000 pounds.

President John Quincy Adams took on the responsibility of establishing the Smithsonian Institution but faced setbacks when all plans were rejected in spring 1846 due to Congress being preoccupied with the war against Mexico. However, President James K. Polk signed a bill on August 10th of that same year creating the Smithsonian Institution. A grand castle-like structure resembling one near the White House and Capitol building was constructed and became known as "the castle". The purpose of this institution was to house a remarkable collection of specimens including an art gallery, chemistry laboratory, and scientific library.The Smithsonian Institution was established as a repository for various research items, including natural history artifacts, plants, and mineralogical specimens that originated from America. Joseph Henry, the secretary of the institution appointed by Congress, supervised its operations. Upon completion of the Castle building, Henry and his family moved into the East wing of the institution. His efforts led to the establishment of the United States Weather Bureau.

To expand its collection, the Smithsonian dispatched United States Exploring Expeditions between 1838 and 1848. Following the Centennial exhibition in 1876, numerous items were transported to the Smithsonian Institution via freight cars. In 1846, Henry initiated the International Exchange Service and published its first publication called Ancient Monuments of Mississippi Valley as part of the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge Series.

After Henry's passing in 1878, a bronze statue worth $15,0004 was erected near The Castle in his honor. Spencer Fullerton Baird succeeded Henry as secretary and founded the Marine Biological Station in Woods Hole Massachusetts. Baird implemented measures to protect America's wildlife and supported the Bureau of American Ethnology which played a central role

in American anthropology.

By end of th19th century,the Smithsonian had an extensive number of items requiring additional employees for sorting purposes.Unfortunately, Congress refused to provide funding for additional staff, worsening the situation. In 1880, a law was passed by Congress requiring all rocks, minerals, soils, fossils, and natural history-related objects to be stored at the Smithsonian. Consequently, in 1881, the Smithsonian established another facility called the Arts and Industries building to accommodate these excess items. However, this only offered temporary relief. After Baird's death, Samuel Pierpont Langley took over as secretary and made significant advancements in aviation technology with aircraft flying thousands of feet in the air. On December 8th 1903, Langley publicly launched a piloted aircraft that crashed immediately embarrassing him. Just nine days later, the Wright brothers achieved historic flight with their Kitty Hawk Flyer in North Carolina as the first successful aircraft ever. Despite this accomplishment, the stubborn Smithsonian institution credited Langley as being the first flyer. As a result of this controversy,the Wright brothers donated their plane to a London museum.In 1942,the Smithsonian apologized to them and they subsequently gifted their Kitty Hawk Flyer to the institution.In 1889,the National Zoological Park was established by The Smithsonian Institution with a small buffalo herd.At that time there were approximately 800 buffaloes in the United States.However,in 1903 plans for construction posed a threat to Smithson's graveTo prevent this, Alexander Graham Bell traveled to Italy and brought back Smithson's sarcophagus. The sarcophagus now rests in the Castle's crypt room. In 1906, Charles Lang Freer made a generous donation of his entire art collection and $3,000,000 to the Smithsonian. This donation funded the creation of the Freer

Gallery of Art.

After World War I, Charles D. Walcott succeeded Langley as secretary. The war led to increased car ownership and tourism throughout the country, resulting in a rise in visitors to the Smithsonian. It became a popular tourist attraction.

This exposure prompted numerous individuals to donate specimens to the institution. In 1923 alone, over 40,000 specimens flooded in. In 1928, Charles G. Abbot assumed the role of secretary while renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh donated his plane - the Spirit of St.Louis - as a symbol of individual heroism for making a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean.

Despite challenges from the Great Depression, the Smithsonian continued to flourish. During the economic crisis in 1935, it sent out 20 expeditions.In 1937, Congress passed an act allowing for the establishment of sponsored by Andrew W.Mellon.The National Gallery of Art housed Mellon's entire private art collection.It is located in world's largest marble building and features paintings from13th-19th centuryDuring World War II, the Smithsonian Institution dedicated their laboratories and instrument shops to contribute to war projects. They translated numerous Japanese documents into English and created glossaries of geographical and topographical terms. Additionally, they published twenty pamphlets educating Americans about foreign peoples and places mentioned in press articles. In response to high demand, these pamphlets were priced between 10 and 25 cents starting in 1944.

Alexander Wetmore succeeded Abbot as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in 1945 but requested that a replacement be found as soon as possible due to his true passion lying in science. Consequently, no significant changes occurred during his seven-year tenure on behalf of Wetmore's insistence for a new secretary position to be filled promptly. Wetmore, who had

been leading the Smithsonian Institution, was eventually replaced by Doctor Leonard Carmichael in 1953. Carmichael had a visionary mindset and played a crucial role in driving the institution towards the future.

In 1952, many people considered the Smithsonian to be antiquated as magazines and newspapers noted overcrowded facilities and outdated research projects. Critics compared the research efforts to relics of premolecular science conducted with outdated techniques. Significant advancements in various scientific fields occurred during World War II such as nuclear physics, electronics, computer technology, and molecular biology.During Carmichael's tenure, the Smithsonian Institution underwent a series of modernization efforts that included the construction of the Museum of History and Technology, expansion of the Museum of Natural History, and complete renovation of the National Zoological Park. These changes led to a remarkable 500% increase in visitors, earning praise from various magazines and newspapers. In 1964, S. Dillon Ripley II took over as secretary after his previous experience in museum administration. Ripley was well-prepared to bring his vision for the Smithsonian Institution to life. His vision involved transforming it into a "society of scholars" and a "university without classes," with vast buildings housing shops, restaurants, and rest areas. He aimed to provide events that would both entertain and educate the public. To achieve these goals, Ripley recruited an additional 50 scientists and established an Office of Education and Training for program development. He also extended evening hours at galleries and museums. Luckily, Ripley's plans aligned with President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" programs in the late 1960s - initiatives aimed at improving all Americans' lives. As a result, when Ripley approached Congress for funding, he received an unprecedented $4

million -the largest amount ever granted to the Smithsonian Institution-. The institution also began receiving donations from private sources as its popularity continued to growIn 1970, the publication of Smithsonian magazine began in order to promote their activities. It quickly gained over 500,000 subscribers, making it the fastest-growing publication at that time. Ripley's shows covered a wide range of topics suitable for all age groups.

Within the diverse divisions of the Smithsonian Institution, numerous job opportunities emerged. In 1984, Robert McCormick Adams became secretary and continues to hold that position today. Under his leadership, a new museum dedicated to African, Near Eastern, and Asian cultures was established. He also oversaw the expansion of the National Zoological Park which now attracts over 3 million visitors annually.

The incorporation of the Smithsonian into Establishment occurred when Congress accepted funds from Smithson trust with its mission intact. The Establishment includes the President of the United States, Vice President, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and members of the President's cabinet.

To oversee this trust, Congress established a board of regents consisting of distinguished American citizens. The board includes automatic membership from the Vice President and Chief Justice while remaining members consist of three senators, three representatives, and nine citizens appointed by Congress.

Within this board is an executive committee made up of four regents who closely collaborate with the secretary.The secretary, selected by and reporting to the board, serves as both chief justice officer for public engagement within the Smithsonian Institution and supervisor for its museums and divisions. Given the vast size and complexity of the institution, top officers from each division keep the secretary informed about operations. The Smithsonian Institution primarily

receives funding through federal appropriations and private contributions. Federal appropriations cover property maintenance expenses and support ongoing programs related to exhibitions, research endeavors, publishing activities, and education initiatives. Private funding comes from grants, gifts received from donors or benefactors; endowments; investments in funds; as well as revenue generated from activities such as memberships offered under Smithsonian's program. The membership program provides benefits including study tours, discounts at museum shops, and a subscription to Smithsonian magazine. While federal agency grants and contracts contribute less to the budget, they are important for supporting research work and sharing expertise with other federal agencies. One of the divisions within the Smithsonian Institution is the Anacostia Museum.This text describes various museums within the Smithsonian Institution, each with its own focus and unique collection. One museum is dedicated to African-American history and culture in several southern states. It also addresses social issues. Another museum, the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, is connected to the Freer Gallery of Art. It houses a permanent collection of art from China, South and Southeast Asia, ancient and Islamic Iran, Japan. Additionally, it hosts changing exhibitions of Asian art from collections in the United States and abroad.

The Cooper-Hewitt Museum is located in New York City's Carnegie Mansion and is known as the National Design Museum. It showcases decorative items representing different cultures throughout history and includes numerous drawings by American artist Winslow Homer.

The Freer Gallery of Art displays Asian art spanning from ancient times to modern pieces dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. The gallery was made possible by a generous gift from American art collector Charles Lang Freer.

Lastly, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

is an impressive architectural creation designed by Gordon Bunshaft.This museum features paintings and sculptures by American and European artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection was primarily donated by Joseph H. Hirshhorn. The National Air and Space Museum offers a comprehensive exhibition displaying the evolution of air and space technology throughout history. The National Museum of African Art is solely dedicated to African Art, providing public education while also housing a photographic archive, research library, and a vast array of African artworks made from wood, metal, ceramic, cloth, and ivory. Lastly, the National Museum of American Art houses an extensive collection of American paintings, sculptures, graphics, folk art, and photographs spanning from the 18th century to present day.The National Museum of American History showcases exhibitions that illustrate the United States' evolution through science, technology,and culture.One notable artifact at this museum is the original Star Spangled Banner which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.The renowned National Museum of Natural History conducts research on humanity and the natural environment while displaying extensive reference collections as well as impressive dinosaur skeletons along with various minerals including famous gems like the Hope diamond.The National Museum of American Indian, curated by the George Gustav Heye Foundation, is dedicated to preserving, studying, and showcasing Native peoples' life arts culture and history in the Western Hemisphere. It is located in Washington DC's historic United States Patent Office Building, one of its oldest government edifices. The National Portrait Gallery features portraits of individuals who have made significant contributions to America's development and shares a research library with The National Museum of American Art. The National Postal Museum focuses

on documenting mail services history in the US.

The National Museum of American History exhibits various displays related to mail service throughout different time periods, including postal uniforms and exhibits documenting eras such as Colonial times, the American Civil War, Pony Express, and modern times. It also houses three mail planes, a replica railroad mail car,and an extensive collection of valuable American and foreign stamps.

The National Zoological Park is a home for numerous living animals and conducts research on animal behavior as well as international efforts to protect endangered species.

At the Renwick Gallery -a department of the National Museum of American Art- visitors can explore crafts from the 20th century including glass, ceramics wood fiber,and metal. Architect James Renwick designed this gallery in 1859.The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, conducts research across various areas of astronomy. The Smithsonian Environment Research Center, situated in Edgewater, Maryland, offers programs that study chemical, physical, and biological interactions in the environment. Additionally, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute focuses on researching tropical biology from its location on Barro Colorado Island in Gatun Lake,Panama.

"The Smithsonian" by J.F. Watts is a book published in 1987 by Chelsea House Publishers in Edgemont, Pa., which discusses various divisions of the Smithsonian Institution. These include the Archives of American Art, the Center for Folklife Programs and Cultural Studies,the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service,and the Office of Smithsonian Institution Archives (Watts 1987: 1). The book mentions specific page numbers throughout: 25, 35 ,42 ,44 ,46 ,48 ,50 ,51 ,53 and three occurrences of page 54.

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