The Smithsonian Institution: History and Stories Behind Washington's Iconic Museum

Garnet Jex’s 1936 Painting: An Aerial View of the Smithsonian

August 30, 2019November 6, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Explore the beauty of Garnet Jex’s 1936 painting, an aerial view of the Smithsonian. See the stunning details and learn more about this amazing artwork.

Exploring the Smithsonian Institution Building in 1874 – A Look Back at History

November 28, 2021May 21, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Looking south from the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 11th Street, the silhouette of the Smithsonian Institution Building is seen in the distance. The photograph, taken by William Henry Holmes and signed "W.H.H. Phot.," shows horse-drawn carriages along the avenue of storefronts. Above the first building to the right of 11th Street, the sign reads "Latimer & Cleary Auction and Commission Merchants", the next building has a sign "Star Buildings," and the third building "Metropolitan."

Take a step back in time and explore the Smithsonian Institution Building in 1874. See the horse-drawn carriages, the storefronts, and the signs as captured in this historic photograph taken by William Henry Holmes.

A Rare Look at the Washington Monument in the 1940s

May 20, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Aerial view from the Washington Monument showing the "Tempos" or temporary buildings before their demolition. They were located on the site of the future National Museum of History and Technology (NMHT), now the National Museum of American History (NMAH)

Take a rare look at the Washington Monument in the 1940s, when temporary buildings occupied the current site of the Museum of American History. See the aerial view from the Washington Monument and learn more about the history of the area.

Exploring the Smithsonian’s Flickr Feed: A Look at the Arts and Industries Building Around 1905

November 24, 2021May 17, 2013 by ghostsofdc

At the turn of the century, visitors are entering and leaving the United States National Museum Building, now Arts and Industries Building, via the North Entrance. The entrance has glass doors, which dates it to before the Hornblower and Marshall designed doors installed between 1902-1907

Take a look back in time as we explore the Smithsonian’s Flickr feed and uncover a photograph of the Arts & Industries Building around 1905. Learn more about this historical moment here!

A Rare Look at the Smithsonian Castle in the 1860s – Thanks to Shorpy

February 19, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Smithsonian Castle between 1860 and 1865

Take a rare look at the Smithsonian Castle in the 1860s, thanks to the amazing photograph from Shorpy. This appears to be a photo we haven’t yet seen!

An Amazing View of DC in 1867 – Found on Library of Congress Site

October 25, 2021December 14, 2012 by ghostsofdc

West-southwest view with Maryland Ave. SW and B Street SW

Check out this amazing view of Washington, DC in 1867. We found this gem on the Library of Congress site and have included the full caption. See the image and find out more about the view!

Unearthing the Mysterious Origins of D.C.’s Official Dinosaur, Capitalsaurus

December 20, 2021August 28, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Discover the mysterious origins of D.C.’s official dinosaur, Capitalsaurus. Read about the bone found in 1898 and its controversial classification as a prehistoric beast, and the story of the District’s embrace of this unique creature.

The Malpractice Lawsuit of Dr. Daniel H. Riggs of Howard University, 1890

April 10, 2022May 17, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Daniel H. Riggs, Howard University Medicine, in the South Yard of the Smithsonian Institution Building, stands next to his carriage. Picture shows the East Wing after Adolph Cluss' 1884 renovation. Against the building are sheds, used by the Department of Living Animals, 1887-1890 (Smithsonian Archives)

In 1890, Dr. Daniel H. Riggs of Howard University was the defendant in a malpractice lawsuit. This post looks at the case, Dr. Riggs’ life, and the building in which the trial was held.

Proposed National Zoo in Rock Creek Park

November 28, 2019April 12, 2012 by ghostsofdc

Alligators in their enclosure in the original Animal House, also known as the Carnivora House, which opened in 1892 and was the first permanent building at the National Zoological Park. The alligators are housed in the "temporary" wooden wing of the structure (Smithsonian)

We are a great nation and Americans in the 1880s were proud of their rapidly growing and dominant country. But how can you truly be a great nation without a national zoo to show off all the wonderful creatures that roam your lands, as well as those of foreign lands? Not only that, how will … Read more

All Eyes On The Hirshhorn, But It Wasn’t Always Pretty (Or Round)

December 26, 2019March 22, 2012 by ghostsofdc

This is a guest post by Aaron. Art fans will focus Thursday night on the outer walls of the Hirshhorn Museum. Eleven video projectors will paint the Smithsonian’s modern and contemporary ring with 360 degrees of a looping film called, “SONG 1.” The Hirshhorn’s exterior will become exhibition space as artist Doug Aitken transforms the circumference … Read more