Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-, photographer, Public domain

Group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government

The Smithsonian Institution is a group of museums, education and research centers, created by the United States federal government "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge". Founded on August 10, 1846, it operates as a trust instrumentality and is not formally a part of any of the three branches of the federal government. The institution is named after its founding donor, British scientist James Smithson. It was originally organized as the United States National Museum, but that name ceased to exist administratively in 1967.

Also known as...Smithsonian and The Smithsonian
Science US & Canada
Mysterious 'Golden Orb' Identified

Mysterious 'Golden Orb' Identified A mysterious golden object found on the ocean floor has been revealed as a unique structural component of a deep-sea anemone.