 Way Back When
The Smithsonian Institute: Created to Increase Knowledge
Way back when on August 10,1846, James Polk signed a bill that founded the Smithsonian Institute. An English scientist named James Smithson left his estate to the U.S. in his will for the creation of a research institution and museums. In his words, he wanted to create an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.
The Smithsonian Institute is a part of the federal government. It is run by 17 government officials called regents. The Chief Justice is the chancellor of the group. The other members are the Vice President, three chosen senators, and three chosen representatives. The final nine regents are chosen by Congress, but cannot be members of
Congress.
The first building of the Smithsonian Institute is called The Castle. This red-brick building in Washington, D.C., was completed in 1855. It is now used as an information center and headquarters for the institute. There are 17 Smithsonian Institute museums in Washington, D.C., and two in New York. The museums cover many subjects, including art, history, culture and flight. The National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., is also a part of the Smithsonian Institute.
Admission to all Smithsonian museums in Washington is free. In 2005, more than 20 million people visited the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo.
The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at more than 137 million! The Smithsonian Institute also conducts research projects. Scientists from many different fields study things such as animals, history, plants and stars. Money for their projects comes from donations and federal funds. Many of the people who work in the museums are volunteers.
Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica Online; Smithsonian Online,
www.smithsonian.org.
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