Robert Kennicott was a Smithsonian explorer in the 19th century. He was adored by Smithsonian Secretary Spencer Baird who supported Kennicott’s groundbreaking expeditions across North America. His remarkable collecting activities significantly increased the foundational collections of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Kennicott is featured in the Smithsonian's podcast, Sidedoor, in the episode "If Bones Could Talk."