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red, white, and blue poster of Martin Luther King
Smithsonian Spotlight

1968: A Year in the Collections

A look back at 1968, a tumultuous, pivotal year marked by political and cultural change.
Sandra Day O'Connor
National Portrait Gallery

Sandra Day O'Connor

On September 25, 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was sworn in as 1st woman Justice of the Supreme Court.
41c Luke Skywalker single
National Postal Museum

41c Luke Skywalker Single

Mark Hamill (known for playing Luke Skywalker in Star Wars), born on this day in 1951.
Outfit worn by Carlotta Walls
National Museum of African American History and Culture

Outfit Worn by Carlotta Walls

September 25, 1967, Carlotta Walls, the youngest of the nine students to desegregate Little Rock Central High School, wore this matching skirt and blouse.
Michelle holding bull shark
Smithsonian Insider

Shark Detectives of the Chesapeake Bay

When many people think of the Chesapeake Bay, they think of the iconic blue crab. But parts of the bay are also home to several species of shark.
orchid
Smithsonian Spotlight

Orchids: Nature's Art

Smithsonian Gardens has more than 8,000 specimens. Explore a selection from the collection along with art inspired by these beautiful blooms.
dog figurine
Smithsonian Spotlight

Dog: Museum's Best Friend

Sit, stay, and explore dogs from across our collections.
3 bears caught on camera
Smithsonian Collaboration

eMammal: See Wildlife, Do Science

Place “camera traps” in your community to assist researchers in answering questions about mammal distribution and abundance.
Ai Weiwei with Skorton
Second Opinion

Ai Weiwei on Why Authoritarian Regimes Censor Art

The Chinese artist speaks with Smithsonian Secretary David J. Skorton on how art provides us with perspective on our own humanity.
Broadcast News cover
Smithsonian Spotlight

All That’s Old Is News Again

Explore news-related collection items from across the Smithsonian.
forest path
Second Opinion

Do You Have Reason to Be Optimistic about the Earth’s Future?

Join some of the world's leading thinkers in a spirited discussion about our ever changing planet.
1918 soldier's identity card
Smithsonian Spotlight

1918: A Year in the Collections

The year saw the end of the Great War along with new technologies put to use at home and on the battlefield.