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Get ready to celebrate Smithsonian Day on September 17! This day was created to recognize the amazing contributions of the Smithsonian Institution - the world's largest museum and research complex. Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian has since grown to include 19 museums, 21 libraries, 9 research centers and over 140 million artifacts in its collection. Celebrate this special day by exploring one of their many exhibitions or galleries, learning something new about history or science or simply just appreciating all that the Smithsonian has to offer.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1829</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Smithson's Will</div><div class='timeline-text'>James Smithson, an English scientist, wrote his will leaving his wealth to the United States to create "an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge."</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1846</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of the Smithsonian</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Congress established the Smithsonian Institution, an educational and research institute, funded by Smithson's bequest.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1855</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Smithsonian Castle Completion</div><div class='timeline-text'>The iconic red sandstone Smithsonian Castle, housing the institution's first secretary and exhibits, was completed.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1881</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Natural History Museum</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Museum of Natural History opened its doors as the first dedicated museum in the Smithsonian complex.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Air and Space Museum Opens</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Air and Space Museum, one of the most visited museums worldwide, opened to the public.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Smithsonian Day Proclamation</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan declared September 17 as Smithsonian Day, to honor the institution's extensive contributions to knowledge and culture.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a Smithsonian museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to your local Smithsonian museum and explore the exhibits. Check their websites to see what special events they are hosting for Smithsonian Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Research a topic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Dive into the Smithsonian's extensive archives and research a topic that interests you. There are lots of interesting topics to explore.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Listen to a podcast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The Smithsonian's podcast channel is full of fascinating stories. Tune in and listen to something new.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a Smithsonian Channel documentary and learn something new. From wildlife to history, there is something for everyone.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a virtual tour</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Explore the Smithsonian from the comfort of your own home with virtual tours. Visit the National Museum of Natural History or take a trip through the Air and Space Museum.</p></div></div>
<div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Incredible Learning Adventure</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating Smithsonian Day means embarking on an incredible learning adventure where you can explore history, science, art, and culture. Their vast collections take you from the depths of the ocean to the outer reaches of space, all from the comfort of your home!</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Vast Variety of Topics</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>With 19 museums, 21 libraries, 9 research centers, and over 140 million artifacts, the Smithsonian offers vast breadth and depth of knowledge on a multitude of topics. No matter what your interests are, there’s always something fascinating to discover!</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Convenient and Accessible</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>In the modern digital age, celebrating Smithsonian Day is easier than ever! Thanks to virtual tours and podcasts offered by the institution, anyone can explore this world-renowned institution no matter where they live. It's a great opportunity to learn and explore, even if you can't visit in person.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Smithsonian's Name Originates From an English Scientist</h3><p class='facts-content'>James Smithson, an English scientist who had never visited the United States, left in his will that his estate be used to establish the Smithsonian Institution.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Smithsonian Institution Holds More Than 137 Million Objects</h3><p class='facts-content'>These objects include items ranging from fossils to artworks, historical artifacts, and scientific specimens, representing an enormous volume of knowledge.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Smithsonian Institution has Affiliates All Over North America</h3><p class='facts-content'>Apart from its museums and research facilities mostly located in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Institution has over 200 affiliate museums in 46 states, Puerto Rico, and Panama.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Smithsonian Institution is the Largest Museum Educator in the World</h3><p class='facts-content'>More than 8 million learners worldwide participate in educational outreach programs each year. The institution also provides more than 200 educationally-based content-rich websites.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Smithsonian Institution is Home to the World's Largest Museum Library System</h3><p class='facts-content'>There are 21 libraries within the Smithsonian, with total holdings of over 2 million volumes, making it a world-leading research institution.</p></div></div>
Smithsonian Day is celebrated on September 17 every year. In 2024 Smithsonian Day will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Sep 17
Sunday
2024
Sep 17
Tuesday
2025
Sep 17
Wednesday
2026
Sep 17
Thursday
2027
Sep 17
Friday
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