Smithsonian Institution

From Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III: It’s an honor the share this message with my valued colleagues Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, and Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States. This Fourth of July, experience American history at a museum, library or archive. Here is what you’ll find at the Smithsonian, Library of Congress and U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. https://lnkd.in/eHGddGrY

Jennifer Coolidge said it best. “You look like the Fourth of July.” 🎆 The #FourthOfJuly marks the anniversary of the day in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence. The founding document declared separation from Great Britain and outlined the ideals of the new nation—"life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." 📷: Photo by Eric Long, 2010, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution

From the desk of Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III: As we mark the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, I think about how regular people came together to call for change—they marched, volunteered, organized, sat in, stood up, and crossed racial and economic lines to work toward a common cause. Sixty years later, we lionize these individuals and praise their heroism. We celebrate these pinnacle Civil Rights Movement moments on postage stamps, such as those shown here in the collection of our National Postal Museum. Let's also remember these were regular people with worries, hopes, and distractions much like our own. There's room for everyone to be part of change in their communities. Civic Season invites young people across the country to power up their civics skills and shape the future. Join in: thecivicseason.com

“Lovely on a postage stamp? You’d look lovely on a postage stamp!” - Viscount Mabrey, “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” On this National Postage Stamp Day, let’s celebrate the figures who have graced U.S. stamps. These are in the collection of our National Postal Museum. 👑: Grace Kelly 🎙️: Billie Holiday 🏄: Duke Kahanamoku 🎤: Selena 🎬: James Dean Copyright United States Postal Service. All rights reserved.

How tall is the corn in your garden? The Victory Garden has two unique cultivars ‘Glass Gem’ and ‘Ultra Violet’. Since they are both newer varieties, they have already exceeded a height of “knee high” for this time of year. 🎥: Sarah D., Supervisory Horticulturist Video description: horticulturist standing next to corn stalks in a garden commenting on their seasonal growth. #SmithsonianGardens #KneeHighByTheFourthOfJuly #VeggieGarden #VictoryGarden

As we gather with our loved ones to celebrate International Polychaete Day, exchanging Polychaete presents and eating cherished family recipes passed down over generations of Polychaete celebrations, we extend our warm wishes for International Polychaete Day to all of you, LinkedIn friends. Nothing brings a community together like bristle worms. We'll be celebrating at our National Museum of Natural History tomorrow from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Sant Ocean Hall: https://s.si.edu/3XAL2VQ Join us! #OceanMonth #OurSustainablePlanet

Visit the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival to enjoy free live music, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, food and more! Indigenous peoples from across the Western Hemisphere will be sharing their cultures on the National Mall and at the National Museum of the American Indian from June 26-July 1. Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage ___ ��Visite el Festival de las Tradiciones Populares 2024 de la Institución Smithsonian para disfrutar de música en vivo gratis, demostraciones de artistas, actividades prácticas, comida y más! Comunidades indígenas de todo el hemisferio occidental compartirán sus culturas en la Explanada Nacional y dentro del Museo Nacional del Indígena Americano del 26 de junio al 1 de julio. #2024Folklife

Our celebration of "Indigenous Voices of the Americas" on the National Mall and inside our Washington, DC museum kicked off today! The #2024Folklife Festival brings together hundreds of Indigenous dancers, musicians, artisans and chefs from across the Western Hemisphere. "For its Indigenous participants and non-Native visitors alike, the Folklife Festival is “a joyful, approachable way to learn about cultures,” said [museum] folklorist Cynthia Vidaurri. The festival offers the Indigenous participants opportunities to tell their own stories, whether that be through presentations to an audience or quiet conversations during a book signing or a weaving demonstration. Such interactions can illuminate the uniqueness of each Native nation but also shared common ground. Vidaurri said, “Folklife is the culture of home and community, the most profound essence of who we are as people. Every human being has traditional culture. That culture gives us a framework to take on the world that is very profound and heartfelt.” To learn more about how we're marking a year of milestones for the museum, dig into the summer issue of our #AmericanIndianMagazine, now available online. https://lnkd.in/e9UbqeRM If you aren't able to join us in-person, follow along on our Instagram and Facebook stories. Some of the Festival's signature events will be shared on our YouTube channel in the coming days and weeks. #IndigenousVoices #NDNsEverywhere

Did you get this Jeopardy question right last night? (We did! Chandra is a NASA-Smithsonian collaboration.) See the comments for the answer! #Chandra25 #CosmicJourney

Why does space matter to us here on Earth? Dr. Kimberly Arcand from our Chandra X-ray Observatory explains how innovation in space technology can impact our daily lives–from mammograms to airport baggage checks! 📍: "Mark Bradford: Pickett’s Charge" exhibit at our Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Video Description: Woman with blonde hair wearing a black, floral dress answers a question while standing in front of a colorful artwork.