James Smithson's tomb in Italy Enlargement

Smithson's Death

James Smithson died in Genoa, Italy, on June 27, 1829, at the age of 64, after a long illness. 75 years later, Smithsonian Regent Alexander Graham Bell brought Smithson's remains to Washington, where they were interred in a tomb in the Smithsonian Building.

Smithson's will in his own hand, 1826 Enlargement

Smithson's will left the bulk of his estate to his nephew, Henry James Hungerford. But should his nephew die without children—legitimate or illegitimate—a contingency clause stated that the estate would go to "the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge…"

Draft version of Smithson's will in his own hand, 1826

Plain Advice to the Public… Enlargement

When Smithson's nephew died in 1835 without any heirs, the founding of the Smithsonian Institution—and a rousing national debate—were set in motion.

Smithson did not explain his bequest in his public or private writings.

Smithson's motives in leaving money to the United States are unknown. He drafted his own will following the guidance in this book.

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