Smithsonian Snapshot

In 1914, the Smithsonian hired Amelia Fowler, a professional flag restorer, to preserve the flag, which was in delicate condition.

This wedding dress was made from a nylon parachute that saved Maj. Claude Hensinger during World War II.

The titan beetle (Titanus giganteus) is the largest known beetle in the Amazon rain forest.

On July 18, 2005, this canoe was launched in the Potomac River in a ceremony reminiscent of the Native Hawaii tradition to let canoes “drink of the sea.”

During the early 1980s, Pac-Man was everywhere. It was the first video game to spawn a marketing phenomenon.

Louis wore these in his first of two matches with German boxer Max Schmelling in the 1930s.

Known as one of the greatest racehorses of his day and sire to more winning horses than any other American thoroughbred before or since.

Strawberry dart frogs are one of more than 100 species of poison dart frog.

The Smithsonian Institution Libraries’ trade catalog collection includes about 10,000 seed and nursery catalogs dating from 1830 to the present.

This powdered tea was returned from the first Space Shuttle mission food kit.

The first total artificial heart implant in the world took place April 4, 1969, in Houston.

Giant squid have the largest eyes in the animal kingdom.

To raise funds for many of her record-breaking flights, she carried and autographed special letters that were sold to philatelists.

Roosevelt’s willingness to fly with an African American pilot had great symbolic value and brought visibility and support to Tuskegee’s pilot-training program.

This pipe gives evidence of Einstein's long usage in a hole he wore through its bit.

The daughter of former slaves, Walker became one of the 20th century’s most successful women entrepreneurs.

Supporters were urged to “show your colors” by wearing yellow ribbons, buttons and sashes.

On the evening of Good Friday, April 14, Lincoln left this coffee cup behind.

Pictured is his Everlast head protector from the 5th Street Gym in Miami

When gently opened, her favorite hymns are indicated by the book's use.

Convenient, lightweight and easy to grasp, the knocker saved wear and tear on hands and sounded a loud crack to announce the carrier’s arrival.

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks at Rankin Chapel at Howard University in Washington, D.C., in December 1956.

This unusual preservation occurred because water seeped into the casket and brought alkaline soil with it, turning the fats in his body to soap.

This finely crafted and elaborately beaded inner parka, was made from caribou skin for the mother of a newborn baby.