Past Events

We recently added Wikidata profiles about 100 women in science, and we need your help to write and strengthen their Wikipedia articles! Join us for our edit-a-thon January 20th at 1 p.m. ET to learn more about these women in science in Smithsonian history.

In this year’s Dibner Library Lecture, Steven Turner will dig deeper into some of the lesser-known tales of James Smithson’s work, like how Smithson’s interest in cooking helped him solve a scientific puzzle. He’ll also discuss the unexpected story of Smithson’s interest in scientific education – a lifelong interest that may have led to the founding of the Smithsonian.

Join curators of Magnificent Obsessions Mary Augusta Thomas and Stephen Van Dyk as they share the stories of some of the fascinating collectors and incredible objects featured in the exhibition, as well as behind-the-scenes insights into the process of developing it.

Join conservator William Bennett as he shares details about his preservation of the Hungerford Deed, divulges the sensational stories and fascinating history that emerged from his research about it, and provides a behind-the-scenes deep dive into the virtual exhibition featuring the Deed that will be launching August 10.

Join Nora Lockshin, senior conservator, and Katie Wagner, senior book conservator, to hear how they plan for and respond to potential emergency situations that could pose risks to the safety of our precious collections at the Smithsonian and those of our fellow cultural institutions around the country. They’ll also discuss how they are called on to assist with protecting and recovering cultural heritage around the world.

Please join the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives for virtual Adopt-a-Book Salons!

Please join the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives for virtual Adopt-a-Book Salons!

Please join the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives for virtual Adopt-a-Book Salons!

There are so many inspiring stories about women in science at the Smithsonian in its 175-year history that can educate and embolden future generations, but only if their legacies are discoverable. On Thursday, March 25, join our #BecauseOfHerStory effort to uncover more about these often underrepresented women trailblazers in various disciplines, from astrophysics to zoology.

Please join the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives for virtual Adopt-a-Book Salons!

Join Lilla Vekerdy, Head and Curator of Special Collections, and Elizabeth Harmon, Digital Curator of the History of Smithsonian Women in Science, as they share behind-the-scenes insights into the intriguing contents of our collection of materials from the creator of Wonder Woman, William Moulton Marston, and our fascinating Smithsonian records that document the experiences of real women.

Join Alison Reppert Gerber, Preservation Coordinator, Keala Richard, Conservation Technician, and Daniel Viltsek, Book Conservator, to hear about the unique materials that they deal with, watch a book dissection and see how different materials have worked well or haven’t, and learn about the most challenging materials to preserve in our collections.

Join Ellen Alers, Reference Team Leader, Tammy Peters, Chief Archivist, and Jennifer Wright, Archives and Information Management Team Leader, as they share about what can be found in our archival collections, how we collect these materials, and how people all over the world can access these records for all kinds of purposes.

Join New York Times bestselling author and Smithsonian Libraries Advisory Board emeritus member Steve Berry and his wife Elizabeth Berry to hear how Steve wove the Smithsonian Castle, the Smithsonian Libraries, and the rich history of this storied institution into The Lost Order.

Join Shauna Collier, Head Librarian and curator, and Brandee Worsham, Reference Librarian, both of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Library, as they talk about the Library, its exhibitions, and the fascinating stories behind them.