The Board of Regents

The Smithsonian Institution was created by Congress in 1846 as "an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge."

Congress vested responsibility for the administration of the Smithsonian in a Board of Regents, consisting of the Chief Justice of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, three members of the United States Senate, three members of the United States House of Representatives, and nine citizens. The Board of Regents meets at least four times each year and typically convenes in the Regents Room, which is located above the south entrance of the Smithsonian Castle Building (right).