Smithsonian Stories
Stories that spark curiosity from the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex.
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Smithsonian American Women's History Museum
Dr. Maya Angelou Spoke Her Truth through Art and Activism
The U.S. Mint has released a new quarter featuring writer and activist Dr. Maya Angelou. -
Smithsonian Story
What Happens at the National Zoo When It Snows?
Some animals enjoy the winter weather, while others stay cozy in heated pools and dens.
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Smithsonian Snapshot
A Little Mouse Hygge
A pleasant scene from Beatrix Potter’s The Tailor of Gloucester.
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Smithsonian Story
How Do You Photograph a Single Snowflake?
More than 100 years ago, Wilson A. Bentley was the first person to capture an individual snowflake.
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Smithsonian Snapshot
Shedding Light on the Sun
In a historic event, Smithsonian scientists help probe the sun.
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Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
A Lesson in Trinidadian Christmas Pastelles
Making pastelles, a quintessential Trinidadian Christmas dish, brought to the islands by Venezuelan migrants. -
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Spacecraft Enters the Sun's Corona for the First Time in History
Learn how scientists at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian were involved in this incredible feat. -
Smithsonian Story
See the Thousands of Poinsettias the Smithsonian Cares For
Explore the Smithsonian Gardens greenhouses and learn more about these festive plants.
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Smithsonian Story
These Cozy Stamps Began as Real Knitting
Embrace sweater weather with the artwork behind these pieces of postage.
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Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
The Modern Potato Latke Was Not Inevitable
The Hanukkah staple has taken many forms over the centuries. -
Smithsonian Story
This Thanksgiving, Try the Fossil Turducken
We’re serving up an extinct sea monster and facts about the dinosaur on your table.
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Smithsonian Story
These Smithsonian Objects Bridge the Past and the Future
Travel through time at the Arts and Industries Building.
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Smithsonian Digitization Program
3D Tech Used to Restore a Sacred Object for Tlingit Indians
The clan held a ceremony in Juneau to put spirit into the newly restored replica so that it could be used in ceremonies. -
Smithsonian Story
Fall Fashion from Ira Tucker, Lead Singer of the Dixie Hummingbirds
Tucker performed for decades with the gospel quartet.
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National Museum of American History
Refrigerators and Women’s Empowerment
Learn how the “peaceful revolution” of rural electrification expanded women’s autonomy and opportunities. -
Smithsonian Story
How the Smithsonian Founder’s Bones Made Their Way to D.C.
British scientist James Smithson’s final resting place is in the Smithsonian Castle.
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Smithsonian Snapshot
A Nose the Better To Hear You With
The horseshoe bat has excellent echolocation.
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Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Evidence Seen for Possible Planet in Another Galaxy
Chandra scientists may have found the first planet outside of our galaxy. -
National Museum of American History
I Pledge Allegiance
Since October 1892, countless schoolchildren across the nation have begun their school day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, but how did this practice start? -
Smithsonian Snapshot
A Vibrant Dreamscape
Carlos Almaraz is considered a pioneer of the Chicano art movement.
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National Museum of American History
Dora Hilda Escobar
Escobar arrived from El Salvador in the 1980s and built a business selling to the émigré community. -
Smithsonian American Women's History Museum
The Queen of Salsa
During a career that lasted more than 60 years, Celia Cruz helped popularize salsa music in the United States. -
Smithsonian Story
Five Architecture Facts About the Arts and Industries Building
Tour dazzling design details of the Smithsonian's first museum.
