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Information about the Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian institution is home to more than 141 million objects, ranging in size from insects and diamonds to locomotives and spacecraft. It is the world's largest museum complex comprising 15 museums and galleries and the National Zoo in Washington, DC and two additional museums in New York City. Millions of visitors each year visit the nation's capital to view such treasures as the Hope Diamond, the Star-Spangled Banner, and the Wright Flyer. A broad range of exhibitions ensure a fun and educational experience for young and old alike.

one of the world's leading scientific research centers, the Institution has facilities in eight states and the Republic of Panama. Research projects in the arts, history and science are carried out by the Smithsonian all over the world. Some of the Smithsonian's research centers include the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Smithsonian Marine Station at Link Port Florida and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama.

HISTORY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

James Smithson(1765-1829) a British scientist drew up his will in 1826 naming his nephew Henry James Hungerford as beneficiary. Smithson stipulated that should the nephew die without heirs (as he did in 1835), the estate would go to the United States to found "at Washington under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge..."

On July 1, 1836, Congress accepted the legacy bequeathed to the Nation by James Smithson, and pledged the faith of the United States to the charitable trust. In 1838 following approval of the bequest by the British courts, the United States received Smithson's estate -- bags of gold sovereigns -- then the equivalent of $515,169. Eight years later, on August 10, 1846 an act of Congress signed by President James K. Polk established the Smithsonian Institution in its present form and provided for the administration of the trust, independent of the government itself, by a board of regents and secretary of the Smithsonian.

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