When you think of Wilbur Wright, you probably think of Dayton, OH, or Kitty Hawk, NC.
But here are three surprising connections between Wilbur, the Smithsonian, and Washington DC.
1) Wilbur wrote a letter to the Smithsonian on May 30th, 1899. The Smithsonian was still a young institution, barely over fifty years old. Yet it…
On Christmas Day, 1937, an unexpected letter dropped on President Franklin Roosevelt's desk.
A written offer to give the country an immense art collection. But not just that… it also offered to build the huge gallery needed to display it. And the plans to accomplish it.
Less than 5 years later, the National Gallery of…
One of the most beloved artifacts in the Smithsonian is Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz (1939). Thousands of visitors approach the glass case each year to stare in awe at the bejeweled pumps as they sparkle under the lights.
But did you know the shoes aren't a matching pair? Or that other…
Stand on the point of land poking into the Potomac River. A stone and brick fort looms above you.
You instantly see what a map or written description of this abandoned fort could only try to explain.
Fort Washington's location and design made it a key point of defense along the Potomac for years. It…
V-Mail launched 81 years ago this week.
When William H. VanZee wrote these two letters to his wife, Laura, the Victory Mail system was a well-oiled machine. It allowed millions of families around the world to stay in touch in spite of their separation.
William's letters to his wife, Laura
What is V-Mail?
V-Mail was a…
This Saturday, the artifacts come out to play.
WWII tanks, classic jeeps, and the M29 Weasel make a wonderful hands-on display for you and your kids.
Come commemorate D-Day with the American Military Heritage Museum, a short drive west of Washington DC.
Enthusiastic volunteers and veterans showcase weapons and gear all day. You're able to…
Are science and religion at war?
When you meet him, Vyrl Keeter introduces himself as a retired educator but after watching his passion as a Cherokee Nation culture keeper, you'd be right to wonder if he's ever really left education behind.
This weekend at the National Museum of the American Indian, you'll find him sitting just off the atrium, the clack…
"It's like art work on the building!" my 7 year old said as we admired the filigree wrapping the outside of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. With a distinctive style and prominent location on the National Mall, D.C.'s newest museum uniquely stands out.
National Museum of African American History and…