Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the Smithsonian Institution?
What is the primary purpose of the Smithsonian Institution?
Which publication is NOT associated with the Smithsonian Institution?
Which publication is NOT associated with the Smithsonian Institution?
When was the Smithsonian Institution founded?
When was the Smithsonian Institution founded?
Who was the founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution?
Who was the founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution?
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How many museums are part of the Smithsonian Institution?
How many museums are part of the Smithsonian Institution?
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Which Smithsonian facility charges an admission fee?
Which Smithsonian facility charges an admission fee?
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What source provides the majority of the Smithsonian's annual budget?
What source provides the majority of the Smithsonian's annual budget?
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What notable event occurred on June 28, 1816, that is linked to the Smithsonian's origin?
What notable event occurred on June 28, 1816, that is linked to the Smithsonian's origin?
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What was the main criticism by the American Legion and Air Force Association regarding the exhibit on the atomic bombings?
What was the main criticism by the American Legion and Air Force Association regarding the exhibit on the atomic bombings?
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What was one of the main activities of the institute mentioned in the content?
What was one of the main activities of the institute mentioned in the content?
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What action did the Smithsonian take regarding the exhibit featuring photographs of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?
What action did the Smithsonian take regarding the exhibit featuring photographs of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge?
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Which of the following members was not included as an honorary member of the institute?
Which of the following members was not included as an honorary member of the institute?
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Why did Smithsonian officials edit the exhibit on global warming in 2007?
Why did Smithsonian officials edit the exhibit on global warming in 2007?
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Which type of rights agreement did the Smithsonian institution enter into in 2006 with Showtime Networks?
Which type of rights agreement did the Smithsonian institution enter into in 2006 with Showtime Networks?
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What was the main reason why the reports of the institute were initially not published?
What was the main reason why the reports of the institute were initially not published?
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How does the Smithsonian Institution manage its image collections for different uses?
How does the Smithsonian Institution manage its image collections for different uses?
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In which year did the institute first meet?
In which year did the institute first meet?
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What significant action did Congress take on July 1, 1836?
What significant action did Congress take on July 1, 1836?
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What impact did the Smithsonian's agreement with Showtime Networks have on filmmakers?
What impact did the Smithsonian's agreement with Showtime Networks have on filmmakers?
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What was one of the factors influencing the Smithsonian's editing of the Arctic exhibit?
What was one of the factors influencing the Smithsonian's editing of the Arctic exhibit?
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Who was instrumental in restoring lost funds to the Smithsonian institution?
Who was instrumental in restoring lost funds to the Smithsonian institution?
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What was the purpose of the Smithsonian Institution as stated in Smithson's will?
What was the purpose of the Smithsonian Institution as stated in Smithson's will?
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What rationale did Cristián Samper provide for the edits made to the Arctic exhibit?
What rationale did Cristián Samper provide for the edits made to the Arctic exhibit?
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What was the historical financial comparison made to James Smithson's donation to the Smithsonian?
What was the historical financial comparison made to James Smithson's donation to the Smithsonian?
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Which event contributed to the construction of a new building for the Smithsonian?
Which event contributed to the construction of a new building for the Smithsonian?
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What was the main focus of the Megatherium Club formed at the Smithsonian?
What was the main focus of the Megatherium Club formed at the Smithsonian?
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When did construction begin on the Smithsonian Institution Building, known as 'the Castle'?
When did construction begin on the Smithsonian Institution Building, known as 'the Castle'?
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What financial asset did the U.S. Treasury invest the funds from Smithson's bequest into?
What financial asset did the U.S. Treasury invest the funds from Smithson's bequest into?
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What type of specimens did the United States Exploring Expedition collect?
What type of specimens did the United States Exploring Expedition collect?
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What was a key issue during the congressional debate regarding Smithson's legacy?
What was a key issue during the congressional debate regarding Smithson's legacy?
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Which building opened first as part of the Smithsonian Institution?
Which building opened first as part of the Smithsonian Institution?
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Who designed the National Zoological Park?
Who designed the National Zoological Park?
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In what year did the National Museum of American History originally open?
In what year did the National Museum of American History originally open?
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Which museum was established first among those listed?
Which museum was established first among those listed?
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Which architecture firm designed the National Museum of Natural History?
Which architecture firm designed the National Museum of Natural History?
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What was the purpose of the 2022 ethical returns policy adopted by the Smithsonian?
What was the purpose of the 2022 ethical returns policy adopted by the Smithsonian?
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Which collection comprises the largest number of items at the Smithsonian?
Which collection comprises the largest number of items at the Smithsonian?
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Where is the new National Museum of African American History and Culture located?
Where is the new National Museum of African American History and Culture located?
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What significant artifact is displayed at the National Museum of American History?
What significant artifact is displayed at the National Museum of American History?
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How many museums and galleries are part of the Smithsonian Institution?
How many museums and galleries are part of the Smithsonian Institution?
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What was the main goal of the Anacostia Community Museum when it was created?
What was the main goal of the Anacostia Community Museum when it was created?
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What is the primary feature of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES)?
What is the primary feature of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES)?
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Which year marked the opening of the National Air and Space Museum?
Which year marked the opening of the National Air and Space Museum?
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What major artifact did the Smithsonian's Air & Space museum curators restore in 2016?
What major artifact did the Smithsonian's Air & Space museum curators restore in 2016?
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Which item was returned during the ceremony on October 11, 2022?
Which item was returned during the ceremony on October 11, 2022?
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What prompted the creation of the Smithsonian Latino Center?
What prompted the creation of the Smithsonian Latino Center?
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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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What program does the Smithsonian Latino Center have that focuses on high school students?
What program does the Smithsonian Latino Center have that focuses on high school students?
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What deficiency did the Smithsonian Latino Center face when Pilar O'Leary first took her position?
What deficiency did the Smithsonian Latino Center face when Pilar O'Leary first took her position?
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What is the primary purpose of the Smithsonian Latino Center?
What is the primary purpose of the Smithsonian Latino Center?
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Who was the secretary of the Smithsonian that announced his retirement in 2013?
Who was the secretary of the Smithsonian that announced his retirement in 2013?
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Which position was newly created by the Smithsonian Board of Regents in September 2007?
Which position was newly created by the Smithsonian Board of Regents in September 2007?
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How long does the Young Ambassadors Program enrichment seminar last?
How long does the Young Ambassadors Program enrichment seminar last?
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What significant action was taken regarding the Board of Regents when the Smithsonian was created?
What significant action was taken regarding the Board of Regents when the Smithsonian was created?
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Which museum faced controversy regarding the Enola Gay exhibit?
Which museum faced controversy regarding the Enola Gay exhibit?
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What is the role of the chief executive officer of the Smithsonian?
What is the role of the chief executive officer of the Smithsonian?
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Which of the following is not an entity dedicated to minority groups within the Smithsonian?
Which of the following is not an entity dedicated to minority groups within the Smithsonian?
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What is one of the primary functions of the Smithsonian Latino Center today?
What is one of the primary functions of the Smithsonian Latino Center today?
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Study Notes
Smithsonian Institution Overview
- Founded on August 10, 1846, by act of US Congress
- Created "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge"
- Named after its founder, British scientist James Smithson
- A trust instrumentality, not part of any federal government branch
- Holds over 157 million historical items
- Operates 21 museums, 21 libraries, & 14 education/research centers, a zoo, and landmarks
- Primarily located in Washington, D.C., with facilities in neighboring states
- Has over 200 affiliated institutions in 47 states, Puerto Rico, and Panama
- Approximately 30 million annual visitors (free for most; certain museums charge)
- Annual budget around $1.25 billion, mostly from federal appropriations
- Endowment value of about $5.4 billion (2021)
Early History & Founding
- Predecessor organization: Columbian Institute (1816-1838)
- Purpose was promoting arts & sciences, with prominent members like John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson
- Proposed extensive studies (botanical garden, mineral surveys, etc.)
- Faced funding limitations and did not fully implement all plans
- James Smithson's bequest (1835) played a crucial role
- Smithson left his wealth to found an institution "for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men"
- U.S. officially accepted the bequest in 1836
- Involved significant congressional debate about interpretation and investment ($500,000 in 1838)
Smithsonian's Growth & Development
- Initial Secretary Joseph Henry envisioned scientific research focus
- Early collections included specimens from U.S. Exploring Expedition & Westward expansion surveys
- Significant museum & building construction throughout the years (Castle, Arts & Industries, Natural History, etc.)
- Freer Gallery (first major private donation)
- National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum in the Old Patent Office Building (1968)
- Smithsonian Latino Center (1997) – formed to address underrepresentation
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Freer-Sackler Gallery (Asian art)
- African Art Museum
- National Museum of African-American Heritage and Culture
- National Air and Space Museum
Collections & Exhibits
- Extensive collection of artworks, artifacts, and specimens (156 million)
- National Museum of Natural History houses significant natural history holdings
- Ongoing debates over decolonization and ethical acquisitions
- Restitution of certain artifacts (Benin Bronzes, etc.)
- Access to digital content and archives (increasingly available online, e.g., 2.8 million items under Creative Commons Zero license)
- Notable exhibits like First Ladies' gowns, Star-Spangled Banner, etc.
Governance & Administration
- Governed by a Board of Regents (17 members, including CJ and VP)
- Appointed Secretary as CEO
- Board oversees finances, appoints certain staff
- Secretary G. Wayne Clough retirement & subsequent selection of David Skorton as Secretary
- Controversy over certain exhibits, like the Enola Gay display, and Arctic exhibit
Additional Information
- Smithsonian Affiliated Museums and traveling exhibition service (SITES)
- Various research centers across the US and Panama
- Smithsonian Libraries and Archives merged in 2020 to a single research facility
- Smithsonian publications include magazines like Smithsonian & Air & Space.
- Smithsonian Office of Protection Services for security & park enforcement
- Smithsonian's terms of use for digital content defined on the Smithsonian website
- Showtime's agreement with the film archives.
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Description
Explore the history and significance of the Smithsonian Institution, founded in 1846. This quiz covers its founding principles, major museums, and impact on American culture. Test your knowledge of this vital cultural organization.
