News on Youtube Apr 30 2018

This Edition of TITANS OF HISTORY presents the Smithsonian Institution in Washington,

D.C.

The Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846, is a group of museums and research centers

administered by the United States Government.

Known as "the nation's attic" for its eclectic holdings of 138 million items, the Institution's

Washington D.C. nucleus of nineteen museums and galleries, nine research centers, and

zoo, is the largest such complex in the world.

Many of the facilities are considered historical or architectural landmarks.

Eleven are on the National Mall, including the Museum of American History, Air and Space

Museum, and Natural History Museum.

The iconic Smithsonian Castle was the first building erected, constucted with redstone

and completed in 1855.

James Smithson, a British scientist, bequethed his estate "to the United States of America,

to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment

for the increase and diffusion of knowledge."

The motives behind Smithson's bequest remain mysterious.

He never traveled to the U.S. or had close contact with anyone in the country.

Some suggest that his bequest reflected his interest in the Enlightenment ideals of democracy

and universal education.

The Smithsonian holds close ties with hundreds of museums across the U.S. and around the

world.

These museums are known as Smithsonian Affiliates.

Collections of artifacts are given to these museums in the form of long-term loans from

the Smithsonian.

The Smithsonian also has a large number of traveling exhibitions, making sure that its

mission to increase and diffuse knowledge is ongoing.

We hope you have enjoyed this presentation and look forward to sharing history with you

again soon.