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How a British Scientist’s Generous Legacy Founded the Smithsonian Institution 180 Years Ago
Photo: Tânia Mousinho / Unsplash
On this day in 1840, the Smithsonian Institution was officially chartered thanks to a $500,000 bequest from British scientist James Smithson, who had never even visited the United States. His visionary gift established a world-class network of museums and research complexes dedicated to the advancement and diffusion of human knowledge.
On this day in 1840, the Smithsonian Institution was officially chartered thanks to a $500,000 bequest from British scientist James Smithson, who had never even visited the United States. His visionary gift established a world-class network of museums and research complexes dedicated to the advancement and diffusion of human knowledge.