DARK SECRETS: Smithsonian - The Real Truth

In 1961, Georgia waiter Dilmus Hall retired and began filling his home and yard with handmade figures; decades later, the Smithsonian was preserving his story

Dilmus Hall ingeniously transformed his residence into a vibrant artistic haven, brimming with sculptures shaped by his personal beliefs and life experiences. Retiring in 1961, he immersed himself in art, utilizing materials from his environment. His œuvre encompassed depictions of animals, humans, and spiritual motifs, serving as a testament to…

The Economic Times · 38m ago

In 1931, Ohio farmer Annamae Myers began noting weather, shopping, and family life; 36 years later, her everyday diaries filled 3 boxes now held by the Smithsonian

From 1931 to 1967, Annamae Myers, a dedicated farmer from Ohio, penned detailed entries in her diaries, documenting not only agricultural practices but also personal milestones and pivotal historical events. These writings encapsulate the resilience and daily lives of rural individuals amid broader societal shifts. Housed at the Smithsonian, this…

The Economic Times · 1h ago

Hodges And McKinney Stones: twin meteorites reshape two lives; money trail stays hidden

On November 30, 1954, the Sylacauga meteorite made headlines as it struck Ann E. Hodges in Alabama, marking a rare celestial event. A second fragment was discovered by Julius Kempis McKinney the very next day. The ownership of Hodges' stone sparked debate but was ultimately donated to a museum in…

The Times of India · Oct 23

Janitor’s Visionary Throne: scrap shrine becomes Smithsonian landmark; hidden garage revealed

For 14 years, James Hampton meticulously crafted The Throne of the Third Heaven in D.C., using discarded materials to create a unique installation of approximately 180 pieces. With a throne at its center and various biblical symbols organized methodically, this work was discovered posthumously by his landlord in 1964, who…

The Times of India · Oct 10

American elm survives for over 150 years and 33 US presidents despite disease

A historic American elm on the grounds of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., has survived for more than 150 years, quietly witnessing generations of American history. Planted around 1850, the Smithsonian Witness Elm was already established decades before the museum opened in 1910. Since then,…

The Times of India · Oct 8

How the Smithsonian is using AI to connect artifacts from the American Revolution

The Smithsonian Institution is using artificial intelligence to better understand its collection related to the American Revolution

The Independent UK · Oct 3

In 2017–18, 2,500 volunteers counted tiny pores on ginkgo leaves to study the ancient atmosphere; 24,000 classifications helped process the images

Ginkgo trees, which have existed for millions of years, provide valuable information on historical carbon dioxide levels. Researchers employ citizen volunteers to count leaf pores, enhancing the study's efficiency. Initial test phases revealed varying accuracy levels among volunteers but still yielded useful data. Methods to correct classifications have improved the…

The Economic Times · Sep 26

‘Let’s tell the truth’: Smithsonian head given standing ovation as he hits back at Trump attacks

Outgoing secretary Lonnie Bunch rejects claims the institution is unpatriotic, telling audience ‘You cannot understand all without illuminating the dark corners’

The Guardian - US · Sep 26

Trump's culture war with the Smithsonian

Trump plans to install anti-woke warning signs outside the history museum

Salon · Sep 25

Melania Trump hosts China's first lady for an outing that is watched for diplomacy and style

First ladies Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan are touring the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, celebrating cultural ties between the United States and China during China’s diplomatic visit to Washington

The Independent UK · Sep 24