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