Smithsonian Institution

Definition and stakes

The Smithsonian Institution, a U.S. government-administered network of museums and research centers, was established in 1846 to "increase and diffuse knowledge" through its extensive collections and academic pursuits. Named after British scientist James Smithson, it contains over 157 million artifacts and manages 21 museums, showcasing a mission centered on public education and scientific progress. Adlai E.

Stevenson commended its commitment to Smithson’s legacy, while Theodore Roosevelt stressed its role in preserving the nation’s scientific heritage. Bill Clinton noted its worldwide reputation and influence in research, emphasizing how the institution has evolved into both a guardian of knowledge and a driver of intellectual cooperation, reflecting its founder’s vision through sustained public service.

Quotes about “Smithsonian Institution”

“ Many do not know that three of the important scientific institutions supported by the government are administered by the Smithsonian Institution namely, the National Museum, the National Zoological Park and the Bureau of American Ethnology. The two first secretaries of the Smithsonian, Henry and Baird, were always ready to undertake plans for 'the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men,' in accordance with the terms of Smithson's remarkable bequest. When a scientific movement had been inaugurated they were glad to place it under the conditions most favorable to its development. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Adlai E. Stevenson, Something of Men I Have Known

“ In its inception, and in its widening influence during the passing years, those entrusted with the actual management of this institution have conscientiously kept in view the clearly expressed intention of its founder. Following the distinctive but parallel paths, "increase" and "diffusion," the Smithsonian Institution, yet in its infancy, has added largely to the sum of useful knowledge. Its accredited representatives are out upon every pathway of intelligent research and discovery. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

Theodore Roosevelt, Presidential addresses and state papers…

“ The advancement of the highest interests of national science and learning and the custody of objects of art and of the valuable results of scientific expeditions conducted by the United States have been committed to the Smithsonian Institution. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

Bill Clinton, Proclamation 6865

“ Today, 150 years later, the Smithsonian Institution is famed around the globe, and its collections are enjoyed by thousands of Americans and foreign visitors every day. Through dedicated original research, the preservation of an unequaled collection of artifacts, and the presentation of public exhibitions and programs, the Smithsonian truly embodies its benefactor's dream. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Chautauqua Institution, The Chautauquan, Vol. 05, February 1885

“ It is its support by these men, and through them by the people of the United States, that has enabled the Smithsonian Institution to do its work in the past. It is to such support that it will owe its efficiency in the future, and it seems right that every opportunity should be taken to explain its operations to the public. Representatives of the best classes of thinking Americans will no doubt thoroughly appreciate the benefits which education has received and will continue to receive from the proper administration of the Smithsonian bequest. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

Chautauqua Institution, The Chautauquan, Vol. 05, February 1885

“ No one is likely to question the statement that the Smithsonian Institution has done what was absolutely indispensable to the rapid and symmetrical development of American scientific institutions, and it is equally certain that the progress of American science has had an immense influence upon the welfare of America in every department of intellectual and industrial activity. It has offered a helping hand to every institution and every individual in America capable of profiting by its generous aid, and has stimulated coöperation by them with similar workers abroad. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

“ In the popular mind the Smithsonian Institution is a picturesque castellated building of brown stone, situated in a beautiful park at Washington, containing birds and shells and beasts and many other things, with another large adjacent building, often called the Smithsonian National Museum. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009…

“ Authority To Design and Construct.— The Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution is authorized to design and construct laboratory and support space to accommodate the Mathias Laboratory at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, Maryland. ”

Smithsonian Institution

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