Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the original name of the Smithsonian Institution?
What was the original name of the Smithsonian Institution?
The Smithsonian Institution was founded on August 10, 1846.
The Smithsonian Institution was founded on August 10, 1846.
True
Who was the founder of the Smithsonian Institution?
Who was the founder of the Smithsonian Institution?
James Smithson
The Smithsonian Institution's annual budget is around $________ billion.
The Smithsonian Institution's annual budget is around $________ billion.
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Which of the following is an exception to the admission policy of the Smithsonian?
Which of the following is an exception to the admission policy of the Smithsonian?
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Match the following historical figures with their contributions to the Smithsonian Institution:
Match the following historical figures with their contributions to the Smithsonian Institution:
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How many annual visitors does the Smithsonian Institution welcome?
How many annual visitors does the Smithsonian Institution welcome?
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The Smithsonian Institution has a total of ____ museums.
The Smithsonian Institution has a total of ____ museums.
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What was the primary reason for the Smithsonian's change to the exhibit on the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
What was the primary reason for the Smithsonian's change to the exhibit on the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
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The exhibit 'Seasons of Life and Land' was left in its original location without any changes made by Smithsonian officials.
The exhibit 'Seasons of Life and Land' was left in its original location without any changes made by Smithsonian officials.
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What did the Smithsonian Institution enter into an agreement with Showtime Networks for?
What did the Smithsonian Institution enter into an agreement with Showtime Networks for?
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Smithsonian images fall into different copyright categories; some are protected by copyright, while some are in the __________.
Smithsonian images fall into different copyright categories; some are protected by copyright, while some are in the __________.
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Match the following Smithsonian-related events with their outcomes:
Match the following Smithsonian-related events with their outcomes:
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What year was the Smithsonian Latino Center established?
What year was the Smithsonian Latino Center established?
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The Smithsonian Latino Center is an independent organization that does not fall under the Smithsonian Institution.
The Smithsonian Latino Center is an independent organization that does not fall under the Smithsonian Institution.
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Who is the current executive director of the Smithsonian Latino Center as of May 2016?
Who is the current executive director of the Smithsonian Latino Center as of May 2016?
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The goal of the Young Ambassadors Program is to encourage Latino high school students to become leaders in the ______ and humanities.
The goal of the Young Ambassadors Program is to encourage Latino high school students to become leaders in the ______ and humanities.
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Which of the following is NOT a center associated with the Smithsonian Institution for other minority groups?
Which of the following is NOT a center associated with the Smithsonian Institution for other minority groups?
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The Smithsonian Latino Center faced serious performance issues upon its creation.
The Smithsonian Latino Center faced serious performance issues upon its creation.
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Which magazine is published monthly by the Smithsonian Institution?
Which magazine is published monthly by the Smithsonian Institution?
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The chief executive officer (CEO) of the Smithsonian is the ______.
The chief executive officer (CEO) of the Smithsonian is the ______.
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Match the following Secretaries of the Smithsonian with their respective notable actions:
Match the following Secretaries of the Smithsonian with their respective notable actions:
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What prompted the opening of the Smithsonian Latino Center?
What prompted the opening of the Smithsonian Latino Center?
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Which architect designed the National Zoological Park?
Which architect designed the National Zoological Park?
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The National Museum of American History opened before the National Museum of Natural History.
The National Museum of American History opened before the National Museum of Natural History.
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What year did the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture open?
What year did the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture open?
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The collection at the Smithsonian Institution includes __________ million artworks, artifacts, and specimens.
The collection at the Smithsonian Institution includes __________ million artworks, artifacts, and specimens.
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Match each museum to its opening year:
Match each museum to its opening year:
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What significant item is included in the exhibit at the National Museum of American History?
What significant item is included in the exhibit at the National Museum of American History?
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The Smithsonian Institution has ties with more than 150 museums worldwide.
The Smithsonian Institution has ties with more than 150 museums worldwide.
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Who was the First Lady that donated her inauguration gown to begin the First Ladies' Gown display?
Who was the First Lady that donated her inauguration gown to begin the First Ladies' Gown display?
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The Smithsonian adopted an "ethical returns policy" on __________, 2022.
The Smithsonian adopted an "ethical returns policy" on __________, 2022.
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Which museum opened in 1974 as the first new building since the National Museum of History and Technology?
Which museum opened in 1974 as the first new building since the National Museum of History and Technology?
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Who was NOT an honorary member of the institute?
Who was NOT an honorary member of the institute?
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The institute successfully implemented all of its proposed activities.
The institute successfully implemented all of its proposed activities.
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What year did the Smithsonian Institution get established?
What year did the Smithsonian Institution get established?
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The funds left by James Smithson were intended to establish an institution for the increase and ____ of knowledge.
The funds left by James Smithson were intended to establish an institution for the increase and ____ of knowledge.
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Match the following individuals with their contributions to the Smithsonian Institution:
Match the following individuals with their contributions to the Smithsonian Institution:
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What was one of the main topics of the communications made to Congress during the life of the society?
What was one of the main topics of the communications made to Congress during the life of the society?
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The museum established by the institute included only exhibits from zoology.
The museum established by the institute included only exhibits from zoology.
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What was the occupation of the person who designed the Smithsonian Institution Building?
What was the occupation of the person who designed the Smithsonian Institution Building?
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The estate left by Smithson was equivalent to approximately $500,000 in the year _____.
The estate left by Smithson was equivalent to approximately $500,000 in the year _____.
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Which structure is referred to as 'the Castle'?
Which structure is referred to as 'the Castle'?
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Study Notes
Smithsonian Institution Overview
- Established August 10, 1846, by the U.S. government, its mission is "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge."
- Named after British scientist James Smithson, its founding donor.
- Operates as a trust instrumentality, distinct from the three branches of the federal government.
- Holds over 157 million historical items across 21 museums, 21 libraries, 14 education/research centers, a zoo, and historical/architectural landmarks.
- Primarily located in Washington, D.C., with facilities in Maryland, New York, and Virginia.
Founding and Early History
- Originated from the Columbian Institute (1816-1838), an organization seeking to promote arts and sciences.
- Prominent members included John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and James Madison (honorary).
- Faced financial limitations, hindering initial planned projects.
- The Institute's intent was to study natural sciences, produce reports on various topics, and develop a national museum.
Smithson's Bequest & Congressional Debates
- British scientist James Smithson bequeathed his fortune to the U.S. "to found an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men."
- Initially, Congress debated how to interpret Smithson's mandate and invest the legacy funds.
- Investment in Arkansas state bonds defaulted.
- John Quincy Adams played a key role in the restoration and preservation of the funds for a scientific institution.
Smithsonian's Establishment & Early Collections
- President James K. Polk signed legislation establishing the Smithsonian Institution as a trust instrumentality.
- Became a repository for various U.S. government collections, including those from the U.S. Exploring Expedition and other surveys.
- Early focus was on scientific research, but collections grew to encompass diverse fields.
Development of Museums and Architecture
- Construction began on the Smithsonian building ("the Castle") in 1849, designed by James Renwick Jr.
- Various museums were built, including arts and industries, natural history, zoological park, American history & technology (later the National Museum of American History), and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
- The construction of additional museums reflects the institution's expansion.
Collections and Research
- Vast collections comprising artifacts, specimens, artworks, volumes, and archival material.
- National Museum of Natural History houses significant biological and geological collections.
- The Collections Search Center offers digital records.
- The Smithsonian Institution Libraries hold millions of volumes.
- Smithsonian Archives contain many cubic feet of archival material.
Exhibits, Funding, and Controversy
- The Institution has diverse and popular exhibits, including that of First Ladies' gowns, the Star-Spangled Banner and artifacts from notable events.
- Funding comes from federal appropriations, endowment, private contributions, and other sources.
- The institution faced scrutiny concerning the display of the Enola Gay (WWII aircraft) and National Museum of Natural History exhibit.
Modern Smithsonian and Decolonization
- The Smithsonian has embraced decolonization/ethical returns by adopting a new policy permitting the return of items acquired under ethically challenged circumstances.
- A major return of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria was completed in 2022.
- The Institution is increasingly focused on digital content accessibility and cultural inclusivity.
Smithsonian Latino Center
- Established to address and showcase Latino contributions to culture, history, science, and the arts within the institution.
- Initially faced challenges, but over time, has grown and improved in programs and reach.
- Notable program is the Young Ambassadors Program.
Smithsonian Publications and Security
- Publishes Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines.
- The Smithsonian Institution Office of Protection Services oversees security.
- The Board of Regents oversees the institution's overall management, with a defined structure and membership.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846 to promote knowledge and culture. This quiz covers its founding history, key figures involved, and its extensive collection across various facilities. Find out how much you really know about this iconic American institution!
