About Us

Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world's largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities.

Mission and Vision

Shaping the future by preserving our heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world. More...

Museums and Zoo

The Smithsonian is home to 19 museums and galleries, and the National Zoo. More...

Research Centers

The Smithsonian operates nine research centers and numerous research programs. More...

Cultural Programs

A steward and ambassador of cultural connections, the Smithsonian's work promotes understanding of world cultures. More...

Consortia

The Smithsonian Consortia help foster a spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration to stimulate intellectual exchange. More...

Collections

The Smithsonian's collections represent our nation's rich heritage, art from across the globe, and the immense diversity of the natural and cultural world.More...

Affiliate Museums

The Smithsonian's Affiliation's program brings our unparalleled collections, scholarship and exhibitions  to communities across the nation. More...

Science

Smithsonian science examines many of the world's most complex and time-sensitive problems. More...

Education

Education is at the core of our mission, from informal education opportunities to lesson plans for teachers, and professional development. More...

Our History

James Smithson & the Founding of the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Institution was established with funds from James Smithson (1765-1829), a British scientist who left his estate to the United States to found “at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for theincrease and diffusion of knowledge.”

Smithson, the illegitimate child of a wealthy Englishman, had traveled much during his life, but had never once set foot on American soil. Why, then, would he decide to give the entirety of his sizable estate—which totaled half a million dollars, or 1/66 of the United States’ entire federal budget at the time—to a country that was foreign to him?

Some speculate it was because he was denied his father’s legacy. Others argue that he was inspired by the United States’ experiment with democracy. Some attribute his philanthropy to ideals inspired by such organizations as the Royal Institution, which was dedicated to using scientific knowledge to improve human conditions. Smithson never wrote about or discussed his bequest with friends or colleagues, so we are left to speculate on the ideals and motivations of a gift that has had such significant impact on the arts, humanities, and sciences in the United States.

Visitors can pay homage to Smithson with a visit to his crypt, located on the first floor of the Smithsonian Castle.

Smithsonian Institution General History

Smithson died in 1829, and six years later, President Andrew Jackson announced the bequest to Congress. On July 1, 1836, Congress accepted the legacy bequeathed to the nation and pledged the faith of the United States to the charitable trust. In September 1838, Smithson’s legacy, which amounted to more than 100,000 gold sovereigns, was delivered to the mint at Philadelphia. Recoined in U.S. currency, the gift amounted to more than $500,000.

After eight years of sometimes heated debate, an Act of Congress signed by President James K. Polk on Aug. 10, 1846, established the Smithsonian Institution as a trust to be administered by a Board of Regents and a Secretary of the Smithsonian. Since its founding .more than 164 years ago, the Smithsonian has become the world’s largest museum and research complex, with 19 museums, the National Zoo and nine research facilities.