In the years just before America began its struggle for independence, a boy was born in Paris, France. Named James Lewis Macie, he was the unacknowledged son of royalty – most painfully, Hugh Smithson, the 1st Duke of Northumberland. He studied at Pembroke College, University of Oxford – making himself known as a chemist and mineralogist of note. When his mother died in 1800, he took his father’s last name and became James Lewis Macie Smithson.

Through his years of scientific study, he was dedicated to research and to advancing mankind’s knowledge through any means necessary. He wrote on chemistry, geology, and mineralogy for scientific journals – including in depth reports on the chemical content of teardrops, to improved methods of making coffee. Along with amassing knowledge, he also amassed a large fortune.

Whether because he saw great promise in America, really wanted to show his disdain for the social system which had turned its back on him, or because he simply wanted to ensure a legacy to outlast his father’s, the exact reasons for his generous bequest are still unknown.

It must have seemed strange to President Andrew Jackson in 1835. A man who had died 6 years earlier in Italy, having never set foot on American soil, had bequeathed a huge some of money to the young nation to ensure the “increase and diffusion of knowledge among men” in the case that his nephew died without an heir. When that happened, President Jackson was left with a conundrum – was he allowed to accept the bequest on behalf of the US? And, if he did, what on earth was the young country supposed to do with it?

Jackson asked congress for permission to accept the money, which sparked a debate about what that would mean: did it show that America was weak, or for sale? But, eventually, with the lofty goal of education in mind, congress agreed and set out to decide what to do with the money.

Perhaps a new national university? But, there were many budding institutions that didn’t welcome the competition. Many other possibilities were suggested: a science research facility, a monument to American technology, an observatory, a library, and then back to forming a university.

On August 10, 1846 President James K. Polk signed a bill creating the Smithsonian Institute to follow Smithson’s vision for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge”, and leaving the responsibility of interpreting and carrying out the legislation to the Smithsonian’s Secretary and its Board of Regents.

By 1855, the building now affectionately known as “The Castle” had been constructed to house an art gallery, library, lecture hall, laboratories, and a science museum.

From that day forward, the Smithsonian Secretaries have built collections to uphold their post-humus promise to James Smithson. From one generous donation has sprung more than 150 years of learning.

In the modern Smithsonian you’ll find museums for every walk of life, such as The Freer Gallery of Art, The National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of Natural History as well as The Anacostia Community Museum, The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, The Arts and Industries building, and The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. There are many more in Washington, D.C., a few locations in Virginia and New York, and many affiliate programs reaching across 23 states. The Smithsonian Institute also offers information via their magazine of the same name and extensive online programming.

"Every man is a valuable member of society who by his observations, researches, and experiments procures knowledge for men." -- James Smithson


For more fun information about the Smithsonian visit their web site www.sil.si.edu