Smithsonian Stories

Adding functional and artistic masks to SAAM’s collection during Covid-19 projects artists’ messages of strength, resilience, and hope.

Honoring the Code Talkers who helped win a war.

Patachitra scrolls in West Bengal, India, tell the story of the pandemic visually and accompanying songs present the story in words.

Explore nine items from our collections about 12 women to know.

This stamp depicts actor Bela Lugosi as the vampire Count Dracula. "I am Dracula. I bid you welcome."

A geologist at the Smithsonian creates beautiful and useful geologic maps for research.

An examination of the roots of agricultural labor.

In 2015, Oyama became the first woman to win the N-Men Icon Award given to Northern California skaters who have made an impact on the sport.

The self-taught performer’s colorful, virtuosic style made him one of the most emulated musicians in rock history.

Edison's Menlo Park "gang" produced an incredible variety of inventions and improvements to existing inventions.

Use one of the Libraries' cool images to mail or email a postcard.

Thomas Edison's surprising connection to tattoos.

Kintsugi (golden joinery) and the art of embracing imperfection.

We the people celebrate the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.

Davis is one of four women featured in our miniseries about women who have shaped American history.

Secretary Bunch has challenged our storied scholarly institution to offer historical context in challenging times.

Among the bats, rats, and other ferocious animals that lie within the storage drawers of the mammal collection, an unusual freak of nature can be found.

Many African Americans stand, walk, dance and communicate in gestures that set them apart. These gestures can be quiet and illusive, or vibrant and confident.

The Coronavirus-19 pandemic has changed every aspect of American life, even the ways that we mourn and express our grief. 

She reshaped public understanding of New Orleans’ cuisine by showcasing the black roots of Creole cooking.

Even as we mourn the incalculable loss of human life in the COVID-19 pandemic, we also mourn yet another onslaught of anti-black violence.

A new generation of designer-businesswomen is creating modest fashion, one of the fastest-growing parts of the global fashion industry.

A Conversation about American art and anti-Asian sentiment in the age of COVID-19.

As the crisis unfolds, many Navajo are returning to their spiritual roots for comfort and guidance.