A National Collection

Graphical timeline from Smithson to Smithsonian

Building a National Museum

The Smithsonian Institution's early development coincided with a growing sense of nationalism and independence from Europe. Congress turned to the new Institution as the place to preserve and exhibit the nation's relics and icons.

A Growing National Museum

Centennial Exhibition Catalogue
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At the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Smithsonian exhibits prepared by Assistant Secretary Baird made Smithsonian a household word. When the exposition closed, 42 boxcars full of artifacts were donated to the Smithsonian by the exhibitors. Built in large part to accommodate those objects, the United States National Museum (now known as the Arts and Industries Building) opened in 1881.

Lucy Baird's
Exposition Ticket - front

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Lucy Baird's
Exposition Ticket - back

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National Museum exhibits highlighting the country's resources and technological advances soon came to be regarded as an important national monument.

George Washington's wine coaster

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Accession cards

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George Washington memorabilia were part of the collection transferred in 1883 from the National Institute museum in the Patent Office. The Smithsonian accepted responsibility for collections that fostered a sense of national identity.

Handbook to the National Museum at
the Smithsonian Institution

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"In the Rotunda of the Museum"

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Objects from Western exploring expeditions and an art collection, drew visitors to exhibits in the U.S. National Museum (now the Arts and Industries Building) and the Smithsonian Building.

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