August 10
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION DAY
The famous Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. was established on this day in 1846 by the United States Congress as an institute of learning.
An Englishman, James Smithson, made it possible to create the institute with his generous monetary gift of $500,000; hence, the name, Smithsonian.
The Smithsonian Institution supports a wide variety of research projects and publications. It also houses the national museums of natural history, technology, art and history. One of the most popular is the National Air Museum which contains the Wright Brothers original biplane and Charles Lindbergh’s plane, The Spirit of St. Louis.
Often referred to as America’s attic, the Smithsonian has a little something for everyone from every era and pertaining to all subject matter. You’ll even find Archie Bunker’s chair at the Smithsonian Institution.
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
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