In the pendant surrounding the Hope Diamond are 16 white diamonds, both pear-shapes and cushion cuts. A bail is soldered to the pendant where Mrs. McLean would often attach other diamonds including ...

A common item with uncommon potential for redesign and reinvention. Explore chair designs from across the globe within the Smithsonian's collections.

Phyllis Diller (July 17, 1917–August 20, 2012) is widely considered to be the first woman stand-up comic to perform as a solo act. To celebrate her 100th birthday in 2017, the Smithsonian worked with ...

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian will host a nationwide quilt-along project to reflect on the 250th ...

While the museum has hosted Juneteenth events since 1989, this year’s expanded program introduces a signature “Juneteenth ...

There is no public parking facility for Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. A limited number of city-operated metered parking spaces are available, including several accessible parking spaces.

The United States has been shaped by aspirational ideals, often shared but sometimes in conflict and contested since its founding. Much of who we are as a nation continues to be informed by the ...

For nearly 250 years, Americans have been inspired by the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence. American Aspirations brings together for the first time more than 30 of Smithsonian’s ...

Methods of Disease Transmission. There are many insects that are the primary or intermediate hosts or carriers of human diseases. Pathogens that are capable of being transmitted by insects include ...

Explore a selection of dinosaur fossils and related artifacts in the National Museum of Natural History's collections. Learn the story of O.C. Marsh and how his unquenchable thirst for fossils ...

As the civil rights movement gained momentum in the 1960s, folk music gave voice to a new generation longing for equality and justice. "We Shall Overcome" is particularly well-known as a civil rights ...

Many of the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are available as unique settings for special events. Organizations and individuals can rent Smithsonian spaces for their private event. To learn ...